Netanyahu Secures Seven Safe Seats in Likud Primaries Amid Major Party Shakeup

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz recently visited southern Lebanon on June 30, 2026. However, the main focus within the Likud party is not regional security or ongoing conflicts but the upcoming party primaries and candidate list formation. Netanyahu secured seven guaranteed safe spots ("shiri'onim") on the Likud list: three in the top ten, three in the second ten, and one at 26th place, with an additional unlikely safe spot at 31st. This arrangement was finalized in a meeting with the Likud Constitution Committee and awaits approval by the Likud Central Committee on August 17, 2026.

Netanyahu aims to refresh the party roster by replacing many current Knesset members with new high-profile figures, including former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, former ministers Yuval Steinitz and Ron Dermer, and Mossad chief Yossi Cohen. However, these prominent figures have shown little interest in entering politics, making Netanyahu’s goal challenging. A close associate said Netanyahu initially wanted eight safe seats but compromised on seven.

The stakes are high as polls predict Likud will win around 21-22 seats, meaning approximately 40 Likud MKs and ministers will compete fiercely for about 14 open spots, with many expected to lose their seats. This has created intense anxiety and tension among party members, with some describing the situation as a "political massacre." Netanyahu’s strategy is to bring in new "stars" to regain voter support, even as some current MKs feel targeted for removal.

The Knesset is set to dissolve soon, ending the current members’ terms. The real battle will be among the 150,000 Likud members who will vote in the primaries, determining the party’s future composition. Netanyahu’s control over the candidate list is seen as crucial to his political survival and the party’s electoral success.