Netanyahu Tightens Grip Ahead of Crucial Likud List Decision

A pivotal day awaits the Likud party as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to attend the party's Constitution Committee meeting on Sunday to decide the candidate list format for the upcoming elections. Two main proposals are on the table, both enhancing Netanyahu's influence over the party's candidate selection and threatening the positions of many incumbent Knesset members.

The first proposal, originating from Netanyahu's office, suggests holding full primaries but reserves eight spots on the list for Netanyahu's exclusive discretion. The second, backed by Likud ministers, proposes forming a organizing committee to finalize the list, combining eight reserved spots for Netanyahu with designated places for district representatives elected in the primaries. Incumbent MKs can compete for these district seats, introducing new competition not previously present.

Reports reveal that the proposed organizing committee will be chaired by Tzvika Brot, mayor of Bat Yam and a Netanyahu ally, alongside several influential Likud-affiliated mayors including Haim Bibas of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Ronen Plot, Beni Biton, Yaakov Peretz, and Shay Hajaj. Their involvement is expected to grant significant political weight to the committee and consolidate Netanyahu's control over the list formation.

Netanyahu's personal presence at the meeting signals his determination to tightly manage the candidate list process, leaving little to chance or uncontrolled democratic mechanisms. This has created considerable anxiety among incumbent MKs, as any change in the selection method could determine their political futures. Recently, MK Dan Illouz withdrew from the primaries after becoming a lone voice opposing key legislation, illustrating the internal pressures within the party.

The central question to be resolved is whether Likud will adopt a "top-down" list controlled by Netanyahu and his close circle or allow the party members to decide through primaries, albeit with significant reserved spots for Netanyahu. The outcome will shape not only the electoral list but also the internal power dynamics of Likud for years to come.