Senior Likud Members Plot to Block Netanyahu's Election Proposal Ahead of Party Conference

A group of senior Likud Knesset members and ministers is reportedly organizing behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's back to oppose his proposed party election system, which is set for approval at tomorrow's Likud conference. 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 Knesset members will compete for district seats. This arrangement has sparked significant unrest within the party.

Key Likud figures allegedly involved in efforts to reject Netanyahu's plan include MKs David Bitan, Shason Guetta, Osher Shkli, and Eliyahu Revivo, with claims that senior ministers are also participating. Bitan denied any such coordination, Guetta declined to comment, Shkli opposed the reserved slots but denied involvement in the organization, and Revivo condemned the move as a betrayal threatening the party and Netanyahu, stating he is fighting to save the situation.

Despite some denials, well-known Likud activists report that many eligible voters are being contacted and pressured to vote against Netanyahu's proposal. The vote will be secret and conducted across eight polling stations nationwide, with around 5,000 Likud conference members expected to participate. Analysts suggest Netanyahu would easily win a public vote, but the secret ballot gives opponents an advantage.

The controversy follows a heated debate in the Constitution Committee, where loud opposition from Bitan and others was noted. The unusual number of reserved slots for Netanyahu, eight in total at positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 31, has fueled what appears to be an unprecedented rebellion against the Prime Minister within his own party.