Former minister Benny Begin joins Likud list

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that long-time Likud member and former minister Benny Begin will be placed 11th on the party's list for the coming Knesset elections. The slot was reserved for a candidate of Netanyahu's choosing during the Likud primaries, held two weeks ago. Terrorism expert Dr. Anat Berko was given the second slot reserved for the prime minister's personal nomination, 23rd on the list.

Party sources said the Likud Secretariat, which convened early Thursday to approve the party's final Knesset list ahead of its presentation to the Central Elections Committee that afternoon, was surprised to learn of Begin's placement, as he retired from politics in 2013 after being voted off the Likud's list in that year's primary. Both of Netanyahu's nominations were approved by the Secretariat in a unanimous vote.

The negotiations meant to facilitate Begin's return to the Likud were headed by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, who was authorized by the prime minister to pursue the move.

Begin initially refused the offer, citing the primary vote in 2013. Ya'alon assured him that "those who ousted you were ousted themselves this time," referring to the supporters of MK Moshe Feiglin. Begin asked for time to consider the offer, and eventually agreed.

Feiglin failed to win a realistic placement in the Likud primaries, and subsequently announced he would be leaving the party.

"I'm delighted that Benny Begin accepted my offer to join Likud's list," Netanyahu said.

"He is a true patriot and a Zionist through and through. He symbolizes Likud, its values and its principles, and he is deeply committed to Israel's future and its security.

"In the years when he has served in my governments, he had helped me make several decisions pivotal to Israel's security. [Begin's] return to public life is a huge contribution to Likud, this country and the Israeli public.

"I was also delighted to see the Likud welcome Dr. Anat Berko. Anat is a respected researcher, a retired IDF lieutenant colonel, and a woman who has focused on Israel's security for many years. Dr. Berko is deeply committed to the Zionist and national values we believe in, and to the future and security of the State of Israel."

Likud MKs welcomed Begin's decision to return to his political home.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz said, "Benny Begin represents the real Likud. The party's final list is an excellent one, it is varied and it represents the public properly."

Interior Minister Gilad Erdan said, "Benny Begin represents Likud's true values. We have an excellent list and a shared goal -- to win the elections and further advance the country."

Intelligence and Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz welcomed Begin's and Berko's placements on the list, saying, "This is a winning team. Dr. Benny Begin is an impressive individual, and a pillar of the Likud, as evidenced by his name, and Dr. Anat Berko is an impressive academic researcher."

Deputy Foreign Minister Tzachi Hanegbi said, "I have had the privilege of sitting on several government alongside Begin, and I'm convinced we will all benefit from this talented individual's return to politics."

Moshe Arens, a former defense minister and one of Likud's most prominent members, also welcomed the move.

"This was a very wise move by the prime minister, which enriches the list. The prime minister has taken Likud a step further toward winning the elections," he said.

Berko released a statement saying, "I would like to thank the prime minister for calling on me at this time, when Israel is facing considerable challenges and the threat of radical Islam that is supported by Iran. I decided to join [the list] knowing that only Likud, under Netanyahu's leadership, can ensure Israel's security, rather than compromising on adventurous moves that can only place the Israeli public in harm's way."

Meanwhile, negotiations meant to see former minister's Moshe Kahlon's Kulanu party join Likud's ticket during the election campaign fell through at the last minute, and Khalon decided his party would run in the upcoming elections independently.

The possibility of a joint ticket was presented to Likud and Kulanu by an adviser. While sources in both parties said chances for a union were slim, the notion was explored and negotiated for several days.

Likud sources told Israel Hayom that given Khalon's long list of demands, it did not appear he was truly interested in pursuing the move, which was eventually dropped.

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