Likud Faces Internal Turmoil as August Primaries Approach Without Finalized Rules

The Likud party is experiencing significant internal disorder ahead of its primary elections scheduled for August 4. Despite the approaching date, the party has yet to finalize the primary election regulations, leaving dozens of candidates, including current Knesset members and hopefuls, in uncertainty about their political futures.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to secure reserved spots on the party list, reportedly agreeing with Likud chairman Haim Katz on ten such slots. However, party insiders accuse Netanyahu of deliberately delaying the process until it becomes technically impossible to hold the primaries as planned. The party conference to finalize these matters is set for July 25, just 20 days before the primaries, providing little time for candidates to prepare.

There is growing consideration among Likud leadership to establish a steering committee to manage the situation, aiming to avoid a brutal internal contest that could eliminate many incumbents. Meanwhile, some Knesset members at the bottom of the list, facing uncertain political futures, have begun entertaining the idea of a constructive vote of no confidence to replace Netanyahu with a different prime minister, in exchange for guaranteed spots on the party list from opposition factions. Although this scenario is unlikely, it highlights the chaos within Likud as it heads toward the 2026 general elections.