Netanyahu Proposes Cancelling Likud Primaries Amid Security Concerns

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Likud local leaders on July 19, 2026, to discuss preparations for upcoming elections. Netanyahu proposed a contingency plan to cancel the party primaries if a security situation arises that would hinder holding the vote. In such a case, a five-member organizing committee composed of local mayors would determine the party list instead.

Netanyahu also demands eight reserved slots (sharionim) within the top 20 positions on the Likud national list. He plans to meet with Minister Haim Katz, chairman of the Likud Central Committee, to negotiate expanding the national list to include all eight reserved slots within the first 25 to 35 places.

The party’s Constitution Committee is scheduled to convene that evening, with the Central Committee meeting postponed to Thursday. Meanwhile, Knesset member David Bitan criticized Minister Katz’s proposals, accusing him of undermining the party and attempting to create a faction within Likud. Bitan emphasized that while Netanyahu deserves reserved slots, the number and placement must be carefully decided. He urged rejecting Katz’s proposals to protect the party’s democratic processes and unity.

This meeting follows a recent injunction that halted a vote on the primaries and reserved slots. Netanyahu’s suggested clause for emergency cancellation of primaries reflects concerns about the current security environment potentially disrupting the electoral process. The discussions highlight internal tensions within Likud over candidate selection and party leadership ahead of the elections.