Likud MKs Organize to Oppose Netanyahu's Proposed Party Election System

Ahead of the Likud party conference scheduled for Thursday, a group of Knesset members and ministers are reportedly mobilizing to block Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed election system within the party. The proposal, approved last Monday by the Likud Constitution Committee with Netanyahu's consent, grants Netanyahu eight reserved slots on the party list while other MKs compete for district positions. This arrangement has sparked significant unrest among party members.

Senior Likud figures identified as opposing the plan include MKs David Bitan, Shason Guetta, Osher Shekalim, and Eliyahu Revivo, with some claims that senior ministers are also involved. While Bitan denied any organized opposition, Shekalim expressed his objection to the reserved slots but denied involvement in a coordinated effort, and Revivo accused opponents of attempting to sabotage the party and Netanyahu. Despite denials, well-known Likud activists report that many eligible voters are being contacted to persuade them to reject the proposal.

The vote on the proposal will be secret and conducted across eight polling stations nationwide, with about 5,000 Likud conference members expected to participate. The secrecy of the ballot gives the opposition an advantage, as Netanyahu would likely win a public vote easily. The controversy stems from the unusually high number of reserved slots (eight) allocated to Netanyahu, positioned at places 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 31 on the list, which has fueled what appears to be an unprecedented rebellion within the party leadership.

The internal conflict highlights growing tensions within Likud as members debate the fairness and implications of the proposed election method ahead of the upcoming party conference vote.