Likud ministers back Netanyahu's reserved slots as party holds primaries

Likud ministers supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eight reserved slots for the party list during the Likud primaries, despite some internal tensions. Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter emphasized the need to "build a good team beside and behind Prime Minister Netanyahu." Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi defended the slots, stating they "are nothing new" and enable the prime minister to lead the party effectively. Transportation Minister Miri Regev acknowledged that with the reserved slots, "half of the list is democratic, and half of the list consists of reserved slots." Ministers characterized the primaries as a "celebration of democracy," with approximately 140,000 registered Likud members eligible to vote.