Netanyahu Intensifies Struggle Over Likud Election List Ahead of August Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is escalating his efforts to influence the Likud party's candidate list for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. He is expected to attend a crucial Likud Constitution Committee meeting today (Sunday) that will decide how the party list is formed. Netanyahu proposes replacing the traditional primary elections with a selection committee to determine the list, aiming to exert more control over candidate placement.

However, Netanyahu faces strong opposition within the party, particularly from senior Likud figures Haim Katz and David Bitan. The dispute centers on the number of reserved slots Netanyahu demands: he wants 10 guaranteed spots within the top 30 positions, pushing district representatives to 40th place or lower. Katz and Bitan counter with a proposal for only six reserved slots and moving district representatives no lower than 30th place. Netanyahu has warned that if no agreement is reached before the committee meeting, he will attend personally to influence the decision. A Likud insider stated that Netanyahu is unlikely to secure majority support and would be better off reaching a compromise.

As a concession, Netanyahu suggested eliminating separate quotas for women and young candidates, instead incorporating those requirements into his reserved slots. Another contentious issue is the date of the primaries, tentatively set for early August, with August 4 or August 11 under consideration.

Netanyahu's increased involvement in shaping the list reflects concerns over recent polling and his desire to present a balanced slate. He aims to include both staunch party loyalists like Tali Gottlieb and more moderate members to attract centrist voters, some of whom may be drifting toward Gadi Eizenkot's camp. Representation of the Ethiopian community and young candidates is also a priority. Netanyahu is exploring adding young figures such as Yosef Hadad, Neta-Lee Shem Tov, and young military veterans to broaden his appeal. Currently, Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit is the only right-wing figure with significant youth support.

The outcome of these internal negotiations will shape Likud's electoral strategy and candidate lineup for the imminent elections.