Netanyahu Faces Internal Opposition Over Likud Candidate List Ahead of Elections

Ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to attend a critical Likud party committee meeting to resolve disputes over the party's candidate list. Netanyahu demands 10 reserved slots within the top 30 positions and wants district representatives pushed down to slot 40. However, senior party members Haim Katz and David Bitan oppose this, insisting on only six reserved slots for Netanyahu and keeping district representatives within the top 30.

Tensions have escalated publicly within Likud, with activists circulating messages supporting Netanyahu's control over the list and accusing rivals of attempting a hostile takeover. Netanyahu warned that if no compromise is reached, he will personally intervene at the meeting to tip the balance. Despite this, party insiders believe Netanyahu will face a majority against him and that reaching a consensus is preferable.

To reduce opposition, Netanyahu has proposed relinquishing reserved spots for women and youth, integrating their representation into his reserved slots. The party has yet to finalize the primary election date, with August 4 or August 11 under consideration. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is shaping the future list to strengthen support among young voters and the Ethiopian community by considering candidates like Yosef Hadad, Neta-Lee Shem Tov, and young IDF veterans.

Netanyahu's hands-on approach aims to create a balanced list that maintains Likud's base while attracting moderate right-wing voters. However, before expanding his electoral appeal, he must first secure backing from his party's leadership in this internal power struggle.