Likud Committee Sets August 4 Primaries Amid Netanyahu's Demand for Ten Reserved Seats

The Likud party's Constitution Committee has scheduled its primary elections for August 4, amid ongoing tensions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand for ten reserved spots on the party's Knesset list. Last Thursday, Netanyahu's close associates issued a rare threat, warning that if his demand is not met, he would leave Likud and split the faction. Although Netanyahu would not be able to take the Likud name with him, such a split could severely damage party funding.

A senior Likud official responded to the threat by asserting that the party would continue without Netanyahu, emphasizing that the Likud brand is stronger than any individual. The dispute has been intensifying for weeks, with Netanyahu convinced that many Likud MKs are driving away voters, particularly those uncomfortable with members suspected of criminal activity or who express themselves crudely.

Based on internal research and polls, Netanyahu has compiled a list of MKs he does not want on the upcoming Knesset list. Meanwhile, Likud is seeking quality candidates to strengthen its slate. It was revealed that the party is currently considering reserving a spot for Menashe Zalka on the list, a proposal recently presented to Netanyahu, who is reviewing its political and public implications.

The developments come shortly after Netanyahu's press conference following the Lebanon agreement on June 27, highlighting the internal party struggle amid broader regional tensions.