Netanyahu Seeks to Remove Five Loyal Likud MKs Ahead of Primaries to Refresh Party List

Ahead of the upcoming Likud primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing to remove five Members of Knesset closely loyal to him from the party list. The targeted MKs include Tali Gottlieb, Dudi Amsalem, Idit Silman, May Golan, and Shlomo Karhi. Netanyahu aims to replace them with more representative figures to strengthen the Likud brand amid fears of electoral defeat.

Netanyahu demands ten reserved slots within the top 20 list positions, split evenly between the first two groups of ten candidates. He hopes to include prominent figures such as Gabi Ashkenazi, Yossi Cohen, or Haim Bibas, though none are expected to join. A party insider described the list structure metaphorically as having a "showcase, a store, and a warehouse."

Tali Gottlieb poses the greatest challenge to Netanyahu’s plan due to her popularity within the party base and her ability to sway voters. Gottlieb warned, "If I am not here, you will not be in the Knesset. Everyone will vote for Ben Gvir." Despite ongoing efforts to remove her, her strong grassroots support makes success uncertain.

Approximately 60 candidates, including 43 current MKs and ministers, will compete for about 20 realistic list spots in the primaries. To ease tensions, Netanyahu has promised a "large Norwegian Law" that would require all ministers to resign their Knesset seats, allowing more MKs to enter parliament if Likud forms the next government.

Meanwhile, coalition members face internal dissent over upcoming votes on contentious legislation, including extending mandatory IDF service and granting exemptions from arrest to ultra-Orthodox who refuse to enlist. Netanyahu seeks to secure party discipline to prevent conscience votes. Political battles also continue over election rules, such as relocating polling stations from nursing homes. In the opposition, Hili Tropper is expected to join Gadi Eizenkot’s list, which plans to add only a few members. Benny Gantz’s camp struggles with low support and is seen as offering an option rather than a full party.