Likud Primaries Expected to Be Postponed to August 17 Amid Reservation Dispute

The Likud party is facing internal turmoil over the extent of reserved spots on its candidate list, with the primary elections now likely to be postponed to August 17. The party's Constitution Committee, led by Minister Haim Katz and attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, convened to discuss proposals for the primary election method. Two main options were presented: establishing a coordinating committee to set the list or holding primaries alongside approving reserved spots for Netanyahu. The latter is considered more realistic and preferred.

The core dispute centers on the number of reserved slots, with proposals ranging from eight to eleven. Even the lower figure of eight reserved spots is unprecedented during Netanyahu's tenure and has drawn criticism within the party. One Likud source noted that eight reserved spots up to the 40th position is already excessive, roughly two reserved spots per four candidates, and if those eight spots extend only to the 30th position, it would significantly alter the list.

Sources suggest Netanyahu strategically initiated negotiations demanding eleven reserved spots, making eight seem like a reasonable compromise despite its size. Additional criticism targets the decision to alter the list itself, with some party members arguing that accepting the need to fix the list concedes to opponents' narrative that the current list is inadequate. They believe the party should have stood by the existing list and its achievements.

Likud member Tali Gottlieb tweeted that primaries will indeed take place, emphasizing that despite pressure for a coordinating committee, the party remains democratic and values its voters. She confirmed that Netanyahu will have reserved spots while other candidates will compete in the primaries as usual.