Netanyahu ally predicts half of Likud lawmakers will lose seats, 'watch Knesset on TV'

An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted that about half of Likud's current lawmakers will fail to secure spots on the party's next list, saying they will only see the Knesset on television. He criticized MKs and ministers for being afraid to speak out, and blamed Haim Katz and David Bitan for dragging the party into a mess. He also questioned whether MK Eti Atia, for whom a controversial clause was passed, will enter the Knesset.

An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted on Sunday that about half of Likud's current lawmakers will fail to secure spots on the party's next list, saying they will only see the Knesset on television. The associate, a powerful figure within Likud, claimed that out of 45 current members, only 18 will remain, plus eight reserved slots, based on polls giving Likud 25 seats. He criticized MKs and ministers for being afraid to speak out openly, and blamed Haim Katz and David Bitan for dragging the party into a mess. He also questioned whether MK Eti Atia, for whom a controversial clause was passed, will enter the Knesset. The comments come after a close battle over a clause allowing serving MKs, ministers, and deputy ministers to also run for regional and reserved slots.