The Prime Minister's Organizing Committee: What Netanyahu gained from the deal on reserved spots
Following the announcement of reserved spots for Israel Katz, Haim Katz, and Gideon Sa'ar, the battle for a realistic spot on the Likud list has become complex for many candidates. A Likud source stated: "He is creating one big 'deal' whose results are relatively predictable, pushing Biton, Gottlieb, and Eli Dallal down."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last night that he had decided to reserve spots for the party's central committee chairman Haim Katz and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The primaries in the Likud party are expected to be held next Monday, August 17. A senior minister told "HaYom" this morning that he learned about the reserved spots through the media.
By reserving spots for the two "Katzes," Netanyahu is effectively freeing up Haim Katz's large electoral headquarters as well as the power of Israel Katz and his subordinates. In practice, this means a managed list has been created within Likud.
"Make one big deal"
A source in Likud explains:
"Bibi is effectively telling the two Katzes: make one big deal. In the primaries, people vote for 12 candidates, so instead of the various headquarters fighting among themselves for realistic spots on the list, Bibi comes to Haim Katz and tells him: Eti Atiya is important to you, fine. Also take care of Israel Katz's people and Sa'ar's people, for example, put Elkin in too."
According to the source, this means Netanyahu is shaping the list in advance: "He is creating one big 'deal' whose results can be relatively predicted, and this way he also pushes Biton, Gottlieb, and Eli Dallal down."
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In addition, the Likud announcement mentioned the decision of the Likud tribunal to reserve a spot for Israel Katz. Although this decision has not yet been published, it was made in light of Netanyahu's request for security reasons. Thus, the Defense Minister knew a week ago that his spot was reserved, yet he continued to publish election campaign ads for the primaries.
