Netanyahu Pushes for Control of One-Third of Likud List Amid Internal Party Tensions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a series of intensive meetings with Likud ministers and Knesset members to address growing unrest over the selection method for the party's upcoming Knesset list. The discussions come as the decisive debate on the list formation has been postponed multiple times, with the latest meeting rescheduled to the next day at Netanyahu's office.

Netanyahu proposes a "triple track" system for choosing the list: one-third elected by party primaries, one-third selected by a special organizing committee, and one-third directly appointed by the Prime Minister himself. The plan aims to balance representation of party members with the need to include "quality forces" to maximize electoral success. The proposal also calls for increased female representation and mechanisms to prevent hostile takeovers or distortions in the primaries.

The internal conflict stems from fears among many sitting Likud MKs and ministers that the number of realistic Knesset spots will shrink, potentially leaving many current members out. This has fueled opposition to reducing the primaries' influence and transferring more power to Netanyahu and the party apparatus. Some prominent figures, including MK Eli Revivo and former Speaker Yuli Edelstein, have voiced strong criticism or are expected to leave the party.

Netanyahu and his supporters argue that controlling the list composition is crucial to improving the party's electoral prospects, especially given unfavorable polls and concerns about some current members' impact on voter appeal. The Likud Constitution Committee, led by Minister Haim Katz, is expected to play a key role in approving the new selection method. The ongoing tensions reflect a broader power struggle within the party's leadership and the challenge of balancing democratic processes with strategic electoral considerations.

The outcome of these negotiations will shape the Likud's candidate list ahead of the next elections and could influence the party's unity and performance at the polls.