Yesh Atid Faces Intense Internal Competition Amid Unofficial Primaries Ahead of Elections

For years, Yesh Atid faced criticism for lacking formal primaries, with detractors accusing party leader Yair Lapid of controlling candidate selection through the party's arranging committee. Opponents labeled the party a "dictatorship," citing cases like Ophir Sofer's exclusion after challenging Lapid and Adi Kol's suspension following dissent in 2013. However, for the first time since its founding, Yesh Atid is experiencing a dynamic akin to primaries, despite no official voting or party member participation. This surge in internal competition is driven by genuine fear among nearly half the faction's 24 Knesset members that they might lose their seats.

The party's alliance with the National Unity party, led by Naftali Bennett, is expected to allocate only about 12 Yesh Atid candidates within the top 30 spots on the joint list, marking a significant reduction from the current 24 seats. While this represents a sharp cut, it is also seen as a negotiation success by Lapid, who was previously expected to secure as few as four to six seats amid declining polls. Some members have already left or plan to leave, including Orna Barbivai, Yoel Razvozov, Boaz Toporovsky, and Idan Roll, while others like Elazar Stern and Ron Katz are likely to exit or shift careers.

This leaves a crowded field of senior members such as Meir Cohen, Karin Elharar, Merav Cohen, Mickey Levy, Merav Ben Ari, Ram Ben Barak, Yoav Segalovich, Vladimir Beliak, Naor Shiri, Michal Shir, Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu, Debi Biton, and Simon Davidson competing for limited spots. The uncertainty fuels heightened activity in Knesset committees and plenary sessions, with members seeking media exposure and public attention to prove their worth. A party insider described the atmosphere as "feeling like primaries," with increased vocalization and efforts to stand out.

Lapid himself is not rushing to finalize the list or hold personal talks, believing there is still time before elections. Meanwhile, Yesh Atid members remain active in parliamentary work despite lacking a majority, facing criticism for not mounting a stronger opposition against the government post-October 7 attacks. However, comparisons to figures like Bennett and Gadi Eizenkot, who are not in the Knesset, highlight the challenges Yesh Atid faces in influencing legislation.

In sum, Yesh Atid is undergoing an unofficial internal election driven not by formal procedures but by the real fear of exclusion, marking an ironic twist for a party long accused of avoiding primaries.