Netanyahu gives ex-Yamina MKs Chikli, Silman prime spots on Likud list

Benjamin Netanyahu places former Yamina MKs Amichai Chikli and Idit Silman in reserved, realistic spots on his Likud party’s election list.

Chikli and Silman’s defection from the coalition — Chikli at its outset and Silman triggering its catapult towards collapse — were motivated by opposition to the big tent political alliance’s failure to meet their right-wing ideology.

Netanyahu gave Chikli the 14th spot on the list and Silman the 16th.

In the 28th spot, Netanyahu placed former Justice Ministry official Moshe Saada, who cast doubt on the police investigation leading to Netanyahu’s current criminal trial.

Ethiopian author Tsega Melaku and lawyer Yossi Fuchs are Netanyahu’s final two discretionary placements, but in spots further down the list that are not considered realistic to enter the next Knesset.

Following its late August primary, Likud produced a list low in female representation and without a well-placed Ethiopian candidate.