Netanyahu Faces Pushback Over Candidate List Control in Likud Primaries

As the Likud party prepares for its internal primaries scheduled for August 4, a fierce behind-the-scenes battle is unfolding over the extent of personal candidate list control that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will receive. The final decision on this critical issue is expected in July. Netanyahu reportedly seeks unprecedented authority, demanding 11 personal reserved slots within the top 40 candidates, including placing five of his chosen candidates directly into the top ten.

Netanyahu aims to refresh the party's leadership by promoting public figures with broad appeal, increasing female representation, and securing prominent positions for reserve soldiers and commanders. Recently, he offered a reserved slot to Ari Spitz, a war hero wounded in Gaza and a recent Independence Day torchbearer, but Spitz declined the offer.

Opposition to Netanyahu's demands is led by Likud Central Committee Chairman, Minister Haim Katz, who represents the grassroots and strongly opposes the extensive reserved slots, currently blocking any agreement. About two weeks ago, there was even consideration within the party leadership to cancel the primaries altogether, proposing instead that a special committee of mayors and public figures select the list up to the 32nd spot, with seven additional slots reserved exclusively for Netanyahu. This proposal has since been shelved, but the struggle over the composition and control of the upcoming Likud list remains unresolved.