Netanyahu's Political Purge: Loyalists Ousted from Likud List

Several long-serving Likud politicians, including former coalition chairwoman Idit Silman and ex-Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter, have been relegated to low or non-winnable positions on the party's Knesset list, or removed entirely, following the recent primaries. This outcome has sparked criticism and a sense of betrayal among those who supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Silman, who defected from the Yamina party to bring down the Bennett-Lapid government and usher in Netanyahu's return, expressed deep disappointment, stating she felt ignored by Netanyahu's office and that her contributions were forgotten. Her political past, marked by shifts from left-leaning stances to joining Likud, has also drawn scrutiny, with critics labeling her a political opportunist.

Other prominent figures like Boaz Bismuth, who reportedly supported legislation to exempt yeshiva students from military service, and former MK Oren Hazan, known for his controversial past and outspoken criticism of Netanyahu, also found themselves sidelined. Hazan, who was ousted in 2019, described the abrupt loss of status and perks that come with being a Knesset member, highlighting the stark contrast between public life and the subsequent silence.

Political commentators suggest Netanyahu's approach is pragmatic and unsentimental, prioritizing new candidates and perceived assets over past loyalty. This strategy, dubbed "Netanyahu's method," involves using and discarding politicians as political tools, with new, more eager individuals often replacing those who have served their purpose.

The reshuffling has also impacted figures like former ministers Gila Gamliel and Shlomo Karhi, who were placed in low positions, and MK Tali Gottlieb, who accused Netanyahu's circle of spreading falsehoods after her demotion. The article implies that those who were vocal in their support or made significant sacrifices for Netanyahu were particularly vulnerable to being removed or demoted.