Defense Minister Katz Surges to Lead in Likud C14 Primaries Shakeup

Recent updates from the Likud C14 primaries portal reveal a dramatic shift in the party's power dynamics, with Defense Minister Israel Katz overtaking Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb to claim the top spot. This change marks a significant upheaval after days of Gottlieb holding the lead, signaling an end to stability among senior party figures and an ongoing intense competition for the top ten positions on the list.

The new rankings place Katz first, Gottlieb second, Amir Ohana third, Gila Gamliel fourth, and Shlomo Karhi fifth, pushing other candidates further down the list. Following them are Nir Barkat in sixth, newcomer Shay Kalach seventh, Miri Regev eighth, May Golan ninth, and Boaz Bismuth rounding out the top ten. Notably, Shlomo Karhi, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, and Education Minister Yoav Kish have been pushed out of the leading ten.

The dynamic voting on the portal reflects voters’ desire for real-time influence over candidate rankings rather than relying on established figures. The Likud primaries portal allows users to build their preferred candidate list in three quick steps, including choosing national candidates, preferred district candidates, and new candidates to add. Voting is free, fast, and transparent, with results updated continuously online.

This interactive platform empowers the public to shape the Likud’s candidate list ahead of the 2026 elections, providing a live snapshot of shifting political support within the party. The competition remains fluid, and the final official primary results are yet to be announced.