The reason for Katz's slot? Defense Minister outside the top ten in Likud members poll

A new poll among Likud members, conducted by Dr. Nimrod Nir of the 'Agam' Institute, shows a shake-up: Defense Minister Israel Katz ranks only 13th with 40.5%, outside the top ten, despite being reserved a spot on the list. Leading the ranking is Amir Ohana with 73%, followed by Tali Gottlieb with 70% and Boaz Bismuth with 69.2%. The poll was conducted between August 6 and 10 among 1,062 members, and indicates that in a scenario of 30 seats, about half of the current MKs and ministers would not enter the next Knesset.

A new poll among Likud members, conducted by Dr. Nimrod Nir of the 'Agam' Institute, shows a real shake-up ahead of the primaries. The poll was conducted between August 6 and 10 among 1,062 eligible voters, and examines 'free votes' without deals. Leading the ranking is Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with 73% support, followed by Tali Gottlieb with 70% and Boaz Bismuth with 69.2%. Eli Cohen is in fourth place with 64.8%, followed by Moshe Saada and Amichai Chikli with 57.1% each. Defense Minister Israel Katz, who was reserved a spot on the list today 'in order to allow him to deal with security needs', ranks only 13th with 40.5%, outside the top ten. Other veterans were also pushed to low places: Nir Barkat in 15th, Yoav Kisch in 16th, Avi Dichter in 18th, Miki Zohar in 26th with 14.5%, David Bitan in 32nd, and Haim Katz in 35th with only 6%. The political meaning: in a scenario of 30 seats, about half of the current MKs and ministers would not enter the next Knesset. The 'Agam' Institute emphasizes that the poll does not weigh the power of organized members and internal deals. Dr. Nir reported that Likud members are 'more hawkish and religious' than those who chose the list for the 25th Knesset, and that 'there are no sentiments for veteran MKs and they are thirsty for new faces'.