Netanyahu Faces Revolt Over Secret Deal to Bypass Likud Primaries Amid Threats of Mass Defections

Amid tight schedules complicating the holding of Likud primaries in early August, reports have emerged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has struck a secret deal to form the party's Knesset list through a selection committee rather than a democratic primary process. According to senior Likud ministers and MKs, the committee is expected to largely preserve the positions of current ministers and senior figures while granting Netanyahu greater centralized control over the list and the inclusion of new candidates and external talents.

The suspicion arose following a meeting last Sunday between Netanyahu and Likud's Constitution Committee chairman, Minister Haim Katz, after which agreements were reportedly reached. Prominent MKs claim the ongoing delays in convening the Constitution Committee are deliberate, serving Netanyahu's desire to avoid primaries. This potential move has sparked unprecedented unrest among Likud backbenchers, who fear being relegated to unrealistic list positions and losing their Knesset seats.

One MK expressed frustration, stating, "We stood by the Prime Minister, passing every decision he wanted, yet now we hear we are a bad faction and should be thrown out. We will not allow that." The MK warned that any harsh regulations that oust 60% of the faction to favor senior members and Netanyahu's allies would have immediate political consequences, including possible coalition collapse, secret elections for State Comptroller, constructive no-confidence motions, and mass defections to Benny Gantz.

Parallel to the political turmoil, legal battles have begun within Likud. MK David Bitan formally petitioned the party court to mandate clear regulations for primaries amid the delays. He also demands that any personal slots granted to Netanyahu on the list be approved only by secret ballot, not open votes, to prevent pressure on central committee members.

Likud officials acknowledge that time is running out for MKs technically as well. Organizing primaries requires weeks of logistical preparation that has yet to start, and the July 15 deadline for submitting forms to receive primary funding from the Knesset has passed, a complex procedure that cannot begin without an approved mechanism. This intensifies the likelihood that the party will proceed with the committee-based list formation, sidelining the traditional democratic process.