Netanyahu Weighs Scrapping Likud Primary, Sparking Internal Tensions

Tensions are rising inside Likud over how the party will build its slate, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu examines a possible compromise that would replace a full internal primary. The alternative being discussed would extend the national list to the 40th slot, after which district candidates would enter, while current reserved slots for a woman, a young candidate, an ultra-Orthodox candidate, a minority representative and a new immigrant would be canceled. In their place, Netanyahu would receive nine reserved placements, three in each of the first three tens on the list.

Party lawmakers who oppose canceling the primary say the push is being led by senior figures who fear losing their standing. They claim Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who won first place in the previous primary, wants to protect his top position, while Defense Minister Israel Katz fears the fallout from his clash with MK Tali Gottlieb. According to Likud sources, Levin is also being blamed by some activists for failing to fully deliver the judicial overhaul. Another Likud source said Katz wants the primary canceled to keep allies such as MK Eti Atia and Knesset Economic Affairs Committee chair David Bitan on the slate.

Likud officials said Netanyahu’s team has already opened talks with MKs and ministers about possible placements if there is no primary. One account said representatives of the prime minister contacted faction members about their potential positions. Netanyahu was reportedly persuaded by Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot, who is expected to become head of the Likud election headquarters, and by Israel Local Government Center chairman Haim Bibas, who would also benefit from reserved placement. Netanyahu has said he is working to cancel the primary by agreement and dialogue, arguing that ending it would bring more sitting MKs into the Knesset because all district elections would be canceled.

The primary for the party list is scheduled for July, and if it is canceled it would be only the second time Likud has scrapped an internal election after previously doing so for the party leadership when no one ran against Netanyahu. Last week, Likud internal comptroller attorney Shai Galili issued a report saying Netanyahu’s demand to cancel the primary is illegal. A Likud source suggested the vote may simply disappear because there will not be enough time to prepare for it, while Netanyahu’s allies said the issue may be resolved by delay. Levin’s camp denied the claims, calling them “a complete lie,” and a source close to Katz said he is not involved and will back whatever decision Netanyahu makes. Another Likud source said Netanyahu also wants the change for budgetary reasons, because the primary would cost the party millions of shekels at a time when it is already deeply in deficit.