Defense Minister Israel Katz Surges to Lead Likud C14 Primaries Amid Dramatic Shifts

The C14 Likud primaries have seen a dramatic reshuffling of the party's national list leadership, with Defense Minister Israel Katz overtaking MK Tali Gottlieb to claim the top spot. Previously holding second place with 45% support, Katz surged ahead as Gottlieb, who had earlier led with 52%, slipped to second but remains a strong favorite among grassroots voters. Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana made a notable leap into the top three, securing third place and pushing MK Moshe Saada down to fifth. Innovation Minister Gila Gamliel maintained a steady fourth position.

Several senior ministers experienced significant declines in support. MK Gadi Yevarkan suffered the steepest drop, landing at 40th place with no backing. Deputy Speaker Nissim Vaturi and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman also struggled, each garnering only 18% support. Social Equality Minister May Golan and veteran Tourism Minister Haim Katz failed to break into the top 30.

An additional development affecting the race was former Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair Yuli Edelstein’s official departure from Likud, leading to his name being removed from the voting portal. The C14 portal allows voters to build their preferred national list in three simple steps, with real-time results updated transparently. Tens of thousands have already voted, shaping a new leadership lineup that reflects a shift toward fresh faces and away from some established government figures.

The ongoing voting process invites the public to influence the final composition of Likud’s list ahead of the official primary results, highlighting a dynamic and evolving political landscape within the party.