Netanyahu Calls for Backup Committee If Security Situation Blocks Likud Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with local leaders ahead of the Likud Constitution Committee meeting, warning that ongoing fighting could prevent the party from holding primaries. He emphasized the importance of having an alternative mechanism, stating, "If the security situation does not allow primaries, it is important to have the option of a coordinating committee for the Knesset list." Last week, the Likud Constitution Committee approved Netanyahu's proposal for changes ahead of the party primaries. The plan grants Netanyahu eight reserved slots up to the 31st position on the list, postpones the primaries to August 17, and allows him to promote or swap Knesset members with reserved candidates. In related news, MK Iluz announced he will not run in the Likud primaries, describing the party as "hijacked." Additionally, Minister Zohar declined to label the events of October 7 as the "most difficult in the country's history."