First publication: Ze'ev Elkin waives reservation and runs in Likud national list

First publication: Minister Ze'ev Elkin has decided to run in the national list of the Likud. After the chairman of New Hope, Gideon Sa'ar, decided to take the reservation allocated to his party following the merger agreement between New Hope and the Likud, Minister Ze'ev Elkin, who could have taken the second reservation, chose to waive it, as well as the immigrant slot, to run for the national list against incumbent Knesset members and ministers.

This comes despite a decision, expected to be approved today at the Likud convention, to allow Knesset members to run in district-allocated spots. Elkin registered for the race after paying the required 10,000 shekel fee.

As part of the merger agreement between Likud and New Hope, it was agreed that the party would receive a reservation on the Likud list. Initially, it was discussed that Ze'ev Elkin would receive the slot, while Gideon Sa'ar would run in the primaries.

However, Sa'ar later decided to take the reservation for himself, forcing Elkin to fight for his place. Recently, in exchange for party funding due to New Hope being transferred to Likud, an additional reservation was agreed upon for a candidate from the party; after Elkin waived it, the spot was allocated to MK Michel Buskila.

Our political correspondent Moti Kastel reported several weeks ago that Gideon Sa'ar requested an additional reservation for his associate, MK Michel Buskila. Sa'ar, who returned to Likud as part of the merger agreement (The National Right) signed in March 2025 and approved in August 2025, secured his place in the next Knesset via the first reservation granted to Benjamin Netanyahu within the top 15 spots.

The agreement stipulated that all accumulated party funding and funds due for the 26th Knesset elections for The National Right would pass to Likud after settling obligations. Despite this, the factions have not yet officially merged or submitted a request to the Knesset committee.

This is due to fears that MKs who might be left out during primaries could exploit a loophole in Section 59 of the Knesset Law, allowing them to split during a merger without being labeled "defectors," even without constituting a third of the faction.

Elkin's decision to run in the national list stems from his assessment that he can secure a realistic spot. Furthermore, the 2,600 members who joined Likud from New Hope are expected to provide the necessary support.

Several major city mayors in Likud have expressed support for Elkin, citing his work as the minister responsible for the rehabilitation of the South and the North. The assessment within Likud is that the new additional reservation granted by Netanyahu will likely be placed after the top thirty.

The immigrant slot is at 41st place, considered unrealistic but borderline if Likud wins and ministers resign under the "Norwegian Law." For example, MK Mofid Mari entered the current Knesset from the 44th spot.

With Yuli Edelstein deciding not to run within Likud, the party lacks an immigrant representative from Russia, which may boost Elkin's candidacy. If Elkin secures a high position, he may be appointed head of the Likud's immigrant campaign headquarters.