Netanyahu's reserved slots move: How Ze'ev Elkin may jump to a realistic spot

Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering reserving a slot for Hapoel Hadera captain Menashe Zalka, in a move aimed at appealing to young people and Ethiopian Israelis. At the same time, ways are being examined to advance Ze'ev Elkin to positions 24 or 26 on the list, as well as a possible reserved slot for Avi Dichter. Final decisions have not yet been made.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a move to place candidates on the Likud list for the Knesset using the reserved slots at his disposal. According to the report, Netanyahu is considering reserving a slot for Menashe Zalka, captain of Hapoel Hadera, a reserve soldier and torch lighter at Independence Day 2019. The move is intended to appeal to young people and Ethiopian Israelis. At the same time, ways are being examined to advance Ze'ev Elkin to positions 24 or 26, utilizing the reserved slots. Netanyahu sees Elkin as an electoral asset, especially among Russian speakers. Additionally, the possibility of reserving a slot for Avi Dichter, former head of the Shin Bet, who finished in an unrealistic position in the primaries, is being considered to strengthen Likud's security team. Final decisions have not yet been made.