Likud Sets August 4 Date for Primaries Amid Netanyahu's List Reservation Battle

The Likud party's Constitution Committee announced on Sunday afternoon that the party primaries will be held on August 4. This decision was made in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initially proposed that a steering committee select the party list instead of holding primaries. However, the ongoing dispute over reserved spots on the list, which Netanyahu demands, will continue.

The committee also set the voter registration deadline for July 7 and plans to publish the primary election rules by July 2. Netanyahu's proposal to have a steering committee choose the list aimed to exert pressure on the party base but has lost traction due to a fierce disagreement with two senior Likud officials, Haim Katz and David Bitan. Netanyahu insists on securing 10 reserved spots within the top 30 list positions and pushing district representatives to positions 40 and beyond, while Katz and Bitan are willing to allow only six reserved spots and limit district placements to the 30th position.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is intensifying his involvement in shaping the party list, motivated by recent polling challenges and his desire to present a balanced slate for the upcoming elections. He seeks to include Knesset members aligned with the Likud base, such as Tali Gottlieb, alongside more moderate lawmakers to attract right-wing voters seeking a centrist alternative. Some moderate voters appear to be shifting their support to other factions, including Gadi Eizenkot's bloc.