Netanyahu Visits Minister Katz Amid Crucial Likud Leadership Changes This Week

In an unusual move early this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally visited the home of Minister of Construction and Housing Haim Katz in the quiet town of Ganei Tikva. Katz was neither ill nor otherwise indisposed, and normally ministers visit the Prime Minister’s office when summoned. Netanyahu’s visit was seen as a gesture of respect and an attempt to soften Katz, with whom he has a semi-rivalrous relationship. Katz is aligned with the faction of party dealmakers like Israel Katz and David Bitan and has recently opposed Netanyahu’s moves within Likud, including the cancellation of primaries, increasing the number of reserved seats, and reducing the power of regional branches.

Despite these tensions, Netanyahu values Katz’s role during the war, especially in civilian evacuations and housing arrangements. The visit reflects Netanyahu’s dual strategy of insistence and conciliation, similar to his approach with former US President Trump regarding Lebanon. This week is expected to be pivotal for Likud, as Netanyahu plans to present significant changes to the party’s internal structure to the Likud Constitution Committee on Sunday. These changes include about ten reserved seats, depending on negotiations, and reducing the number of regional branches from ten to six or seven, pushing some branches down the candidate list.

While these discussions have generated considerable noise, the key figure remains Netanyahu, who understands that most Likud voters support the party because of him rather than individual members. The debate over reserved seats carries an implicit threat: if Netanyahu’s demands are not met, he could potentially leave with a group of lawmakers to form a new party, reminiscent of Ariel Sharon’s split. Although this scenario is unlikely, the seriousness of the threat highlights the shifting power dynamics within Likud.

The party now faces a fundamental question: is Likud bigger than Netanyahu, or has Netanyahu become bigger than Likud? This question may not be answered this week but could become clearer in the coming years, marking a defining moment in the party’s history.