Reserved slots increase pressure: 'There are interest groups even within Likud'

MK Ariel Kallner admits that the many reserved slots in Likud reduce his chances of advancing on the list, but rules out a split in the party. In an interview with 103FM, he spoke about the race among party members and set himself a goal of 25,000 votes in the primaries.

MK Ariel Kallner from Likud said in an interview with 103FM that the many reserved slots on the list reduce his chances of advancing, but ruled out a split in the party. "Every reserved slot prevents me from advancing," he admitted, adding that he understands the purpose of reserved slots is to bring in new people and that the main goal is to win the elections. Kallner said he has been touring the country for two weeks to ask for the trust of Likud members, and set himself a goal of 25,000 votes in the primaries. He estimated that 60 to 70 percent of the registered members are a "free voice" that will shape the list. Kallner emphasized his loyalty to the party: "In the end, it's not about me... the State of Israel is above everything, and the second thing is my movement." He acknowledged that there are "interest groups" even within Likud, but saw this as a natural part of political life.