Netanyahu Reportedly Considering Reserved Likud Spot for Haim Bibas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering reserving a high-ranking spot on the Likud list for Haim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities and mayor of Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut.

According to a report by Kan News journalist Shahar Glick, Netanyahu’s circle is examining the possibility of placing Bibas in a realistic position near the top of the Likud slate ahead of the next election.

Bibas has served for years as mayor of Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut and is considered one of the most powerful figures in both municipal politics and Likud’s internal field operation.

His position as head of the Federation of Local Authorities gives him deep connections with mayors, local council heads and activists across the country, making him a significant political asset if Netanyahu chooses to bring him into national politics.

The possible move comes as Likud officials continue to discuss changes to the party’s candidate selection process, including the scope of reserved spots Netanyahu may seek ahead of the election.

Bringing Bibas into the upper ranks of the list could be part of a broader strategy by Netanyahu’s camp to strengthen ties with the party’s grassroots network and with local government leadership.

For now, no final decision has been announced. But the fact that Bibas’s name is being considered signals that Netanyahu is looking beyond the current Knesset list as he prepares for the next campaign.