Silman’s Husband Pressures Netanyahu’s Circle to Support Her Likud Primary Bid

Shmulik Silman, husband of Environment Minister Idit Silman, has recently reached out to associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge them to support his wife in the upcoming Likud party primaries ahead of the Knesset elections. In conversations with Netanyahu’s office, Silman reminded them of the minister’s role in helping to topple the Bennett-Lapid government, a move that previously earned her a secured 16th spot on the Likud list for the current Knesset.

Idit Silman, who served as coalition chair during the Bennett-Lapid administration, now faces a challenging primary as she competes for a place on the national list for the first time. Netanyahu aims to reserve eight secured slots within the top 25 positions, leaving roughly 20 spots open for competition. This means about half of the current Likud Knesset members risk losing their seats.

One potential advantage for Silman comes from a proposal led by Minister Haim Katz, who advocates allowing incumbent female MKs to run in district-based slots. This would ease their path to election by requiring only a win among local party members rather than the entire national Likud membership. However, district slots are expected to be placed lower on the list, mostly below the 30th position.

Attempts to obtain comments from Shmulik Silman and the minister’s office were unsuccessful. The upcoming primaries will be a significant test for Silman amid a competitive and uncertain electoral landscape within Likud.