Likud Primary Battle Intensifies as Party Constitution Committee Meets Without Netanyahu

The internal contest over the Likud party primaries has escalated following a petition by MK David Bitan. Bitan challenged the fairness of the current primary process, arguing it favors Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As a result, the party's Constitution Committee will convene this Thursday without Netanyahu's presence, with a subsequent meeting including him planned. On Tuesday, a secret ballot vote will take place at the party conference across Israel, where Bitan's demands for changes to the primary regulations may also be put to a vote.

Bitan's petition to the party's judicial tribunal claims the Constitution Committee failed to prepare a new set of primary rules despite a prior ruling requiring it. He insists on submitting his own proposal directly to the conference, warning that the existing default proposal benefits Netanyahu disproportionately. Bitan advocates for a fair voting mechanism allowing delegates to choose among multiple proposals, with a runoff between the top two if no majority is reached, ensuring a democratic outcome reflecting the delegates' true preferences.

Additionally, Bitan demands that the vote on the primary regulations be conducted by secret ballot to protect delegates from political pressure and maintain the integrity and trust in the process. The date for the Likud primaries is set for August 4, but the final agreement on the election rules remains unresolved, leaving many candidates uncertain about their standing.

Reports indicate that Netanyahu secured nine reserved spots on the party list up to position 30, plus one more at position 35, totaling ten guaranteed placements. The reserved slots are expected at positions 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29, and 35, with district-based spots likely at 27, 28, 30, and 31. The ongoing dispute highlights the internal tensions within Likud as the party prepares for the 2026 elections.