Likud Primaries Set for August 4 Amid Dispute Over Reserved Seats

The Likud party is preparing to hold its primary elections on August 4 for the 26th Knesset, although the party has yet to finalize the internal election method and the number of reserved spots on the candidate list. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands 11 reserved seats within the top 40 positions on the list, a proposal opposed by Minister Haim Katz, with no agreement reached so far. A Likud Constitution Committee meeting chaired by Katz is scheduled to discuss the primary election method, with a final decision on reserved seats expected in July.

About two weeks ago, reports indicated the Likud primaries might be canceled, potentially allowing Netanyahu to largely determine the party list. Under his proposed plan, a selection committee including mayors and public figures would set the list order up to position 32, with Netanyahu able to reserve seven spots for his preferred candidates.

Separately, the Democratic Party in Israel announced it will hold its primaries on July 20, with 51 candidates competing. Their list includes representatives from various sectors and communities, including Jews, Druze, Arabs, and LGBTQ individuals, with a gender-alternating system to ensure balanced representation.

The ongoing dispute within Likud centers on the number and allocation of reserved seats, reflecting internal power struggles ahead of the upcoming elections. The final arrangements for the primaries are expected to be resolved next month.