{
  "id": 358647,
  "title": "Netanyahu ally predicts half of Likud lawmakers will lose seats, 'watch Knesset on TV'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/netanyahu-ally-predicts-half-of-likud-lawmakers-will-lose-seats-watch",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T08:34:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-904943"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An associate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that half of Likud lawmakers and ministers are likely to lose their seats in the upcoming Knesset elections. According to the associate, out of the 45 members, only 18 will secure their positions, alongside eight reserved slots. Polls predict that Likud will win 25 seats. The associate suggested that many lawmakers were hesitant to speak out openly due to internal party politics, leading to their exclusion from the party's next list. The associate blamed the troubles on Haim Katz and other figures, claiming they dragged Likud into a \"serious mess\" and will now bring in new candidates. The associate also criticized the contentious clause that allows Knesset members and ministers to run for regional and reserved slots, although Haim Katz won the clause, the future of MK Eti Atiah, who backed the rule, remains uncertain. The associate expressed concern that many Knesset members and ministers who intended to run for districts will lose to new candidates, despite the decision opening the door for them.",
  "summary": "The associate went on to argue that because they had been afraid to speak out openly, many would fail to secure places on the party's next list.",
  "key_points": [
    "Half of Likud lawmakers predicted to lose seats in Knesset elections",
    "Only 18 out of 45 members expected to secure positions",
    "Internal party politics blamed for lawmakers' hesitation to speak out"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development suggests a significant shake-up within Likud, with a substantial number of lawmakers and ministers facing electoral losses, potentially due to internal party politics and strategic decisions.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/358647.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "MK Dan Illouz quits Knesset after switch to Yisrael Beytenu, haredi man takes Likud spot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/mk-dan-illouz-quits-knesset-after-switch-to-yisrael-beytenu-haredi",
        "published": "2026-08-11T09:06:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}