Avi Shoshan furious over Likud reservation: 'It does not bring votes'

During the 'Patriots' program on Channel 14, a heated debate erupted between the panelists regarding the issue of reserving a spot for a new candidate on the Likud list. Panelist Avi Shoshan expressed great anger over the move, claiming it is unjustified.

'If I were a Likud Knesset member, I would be furious today,' he stated, adding that the new candidate is not known to the general public.

Shoshan attacked the idea that a candidate unknown to the public would receive a reservation at the expense of incumbent Knesset members who have worked hard. 'This person is not known; everyone has to remind people he was on the 'Shark Tank' program,' Shoshan said. He emphasized that, in his opinion, such a candidate 'does not bring votes to the party, as the general public does not know him.'

On the other hand, other panelists tried to explain the rationale behind the reservation. It was argued that the new candidate was brought in as a 'high-tech person who has succeeded,' and not necessarily as a television 'shark.' It was further noted that reservations are a common tool in parties, allowing the inclusion of people without a high public profile, and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may believe the list needs 'new blood' to deal with political challenges.

The discussion also touched on the question of the real contribution of Knesset members to the list. Shoshan noted that he appreciates Knesset members like Tally Gotliv, Dudi Amsalem, and Almog Cohen, who 'have made their way.' However, another panelist replied that 'you cannot know who will bring votes and who will not,' emphasizing that there are personal preferences regarding different Knesset members. The debate highlighted the tension between the need for 'new blood' and the appreciation of the work of veteran Knesset members.