An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Likud lawmakers and ministers on Sunday, claiming that half of them will only see the Knesset on television.
"They will go home. Out of 45, including those under the Norwegian Law, 18 will remain, plus eight reserved slots. According to the polls, Likud will win 25 seats. Where will everyone be?" he said.
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.
"They had the organizing committee handed to them on a silver platter, and they were afraid to speak out openly. Now, in practice, about half of the Knesset members will be left off the list."
"Because of Haim Katz and Bitan, many Knesset members will be sitting at home. They dragged Likud into a serious mess, and Netanyahu will bring new people onto the list."
"They fought over the top spots, and many Knesset members, as well as ministers, will find themselves watching Channel 99," he said mockingly, referencing the Knesset television channel.
Associate criticizes MKs, ministers over controversial clause
At the end of last month, the prime minister's associate also criticized Knesset members and ministers following an especially close battle over the most controversial clause, which would allow serving Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers to also run for regional and reserved slots.
"Although Haim Katz narrowly won the clause allowing Knesset members to run in the districts, it is not certain that Eti Atiah, for whom the rule was passed, will be a Knesset member," Netanyahu's associate complained.
The prime minister's associate, himself a powerful figure within Likud, also lashed out at some ministers and Knesset members who are considering running in the districts against new candidates.
"Many Knesset members who intended to run in the districts will lose to new candidates. It is true that the decision passed and opened the door for ministers and Knesset members to run in the districts, but the party grassroots proved that they are very strong."
"There are Knesset members and ministers who are considering running in the districts, and it is not certain that the golden parachute they received from Haim Katz will help them. It is also not certain that MK Eti Atia, because of whom the clause was created in the vote, will enter the Knesset," he concluded.