Likud ministers back Netanyahu's reserved slots as party holds primaries

Likud ministers defended Netanyahu's eight reserved party-list slots during Monday's primaries, with some 140,000 registered members eligible to vote. Ministers Dichter, Karhi, Regev, and Zohar spoke at the ICC in Jerusalem, characterizing the event as a celebration of democracy while acknowledging the reserved slots. The slots represent a significant portion of the 22 seats the Likud is projected to win in October.

Likud ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government publicly backed his eight reserved slots on the party's list as the party held its primaries on Monday, with approximately 140,000 registered members eligible to vote at polling stations across Israel. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter told The Jerusalem Post at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem that the party needs to build a good team beside and behind Netanyahu. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi defended the slots as nothing new, noting they allow the prime minister to coordinate the entire system and lead Likud to victory, while also calling the primaries a celebration of democracy. Transportation Minister Miri Regev echoed that characterization but acknowledged that with the reserved slots, half of the list is democratic and half consists of reserved slots. Culture Minister Miki Zohar said he supports Netanyahu all the way and expressed confidence that the party will grow stronger despite recent polls projecting 22 seats in the October election, down from the 32 seats the party currently holds. The reserved slots have created tensions in recent weeks, as they represent a significant proportion of the 22 seats the Likud is projected to win.