Netanyahu Uses Internal Chaos to Consolidate Control Over Likud Party

Benjamin Netanyahu is employing a Machiavellian strategy to dismantle the Likud party from within by fostering internal divisions and chaos. He introduces extreme proposals, such as canceling primaries and creating a committee with reserved spots, to unsettle party members. This tactic, described as "starvation," pressures candidates by offering tempting incentives to incumbents while forcing mid-level contenders into fierce competition for limited positions.

For Netanyahu, this turmoil is deliberate and advantageous. It allows him to maintain control by navigating the disorder he creates, positioning himself as the only leader capable of steering the party through the storm. This approach leads to political and mental exhaustion among candidates, prompting quiet withdrawals like that of MK Dan Illouz.

The ultimate goal is a disciplined Likud list aligned with Netanyahu’s interests, ensuring blind loyalty and sidelining independent or rebellious figures. This strategy also secures coalition maneuvering space through reserved spots, helping to integrate allies like Smotrich’s faction into Likud. It aims to prevent right-wing vote splitting while keeping coalition partners close, despite threats from figures like Yuli Edelstein and Gideon Sa’ar who could attract disappointed Likud and religious Zionist voters.

Although this process may not strengthen Likud overall, it guarantees Netanyahu’s dominance and control. For Netanyahu, who views politics as a power game rather than an ideological arena, this Machiavellian governance ensures his survival and leadership by crafting a party list tailored to his continued rule.

The analysis is provided by Maayan Samon, a strategic advisor and former aide to Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein.