Israel Elections 2026

Netanyahu Courts Ex-IDF Chief for Likud

With four days until party lists close, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to secure a high spot for former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi

Gila Isaacson

SEP 3, 2026 17:55

2 min read

As Israel's election campaign enters its final stretch before party lists must be submitted to the Central Elections Committee, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying efforts to secure what could be a major recruitment coup.

According to a report by Walla News, heavy pressure has been applied in recent days on Gabi Ashkenazi, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Foreign Minister, to join Likud's Knesset list. The push involves several prominent mayors affiliated with Likud, who have been speaking directly with Ashkenazi in an attempt to persuade him to accept the offer and take one of Netanyahu's reserved slots on the party slate.

The reserved spots allow party leaders to place candidates in safe positions on the list regardless of internal primaries.

Sources close to the Prime Minister view Ashkenazi's potential addition as a significant electoral asset, positioning him as the party's senior security figure and leading voice on defense matters throughout the campaign.

While efforts to recruit Ashkenazi have been ongoing for some time, the approaching deadline for submitting party lists, now just four days away, has prompted a renewed and intensified pressure campaign.

The timing suggests an attempt to create a last-minute dramatic shift in the political landscape, with Netanyahu's team hoping to secure Ashkenazi's commitment before the window closes.