Likud Insider Says Netanyahu Seeks Compromise on Primary Elections

A senior Likud figure close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that behind-the-scenes political talks are still underway over the party’s primary elections and internal power struggles. Speaking to Walla, the insider said Netanyahu is expected to eventually reach understandings with Haim Katz and Israel Katz.

The source said the situation is much harder with Likud faction chair MK David ביטן, whom he described as trying to build “a faction within a faction” and to take control of the party’s regional branches. By contrast, he said, “things will work out” with Haim Katz and Israel Katz, but Bitan is “Achilles’ heel.”

The insider also claimed that ministers and Knesset members are staying silent because they do not want primaries, even though they are afraid to say so publicly. “If there are primaries, the party members will be angry,” he said, adding that Netanyahu is aiming for broad agreement on the issue.

A decisive Likud meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, when the party is expected to discuss its future, especially whether to cancel primaries and switch to a selection system based on a steering committee.