Israel’s Democrats Hold Potentially Final Primaries Amid Rising Political Tensions

On July 20, 2026, the Democratic Party in Israel is conducting primaries with over 100,000 registered members voting digitally, marking a significant shift from traditional in-person voting methods. This large-scale digital primary is notable as it may be the last primary election held in Israel, with the Likud party reportedly not planning any primaries in the current election cycle. The primaries are closely watched across the political spectrum, as they will determine the candidate list for Israel’s sole left-wing bloc, the Democrats, formed from the remnants of Labor and Meretz parties.

The voter base includes many new members who joined recently, with a high turnout expected at nearly 90 percent. Veteran members from Meretz and Labor suggest that the new membership is even more radical than Meretz’s base, highlighting a shift from ideological to more extreme positions. Key figures include attorney Gabi Leski, known for her activism and legal defense of Palestinian stone-throwers and protest detainees, who is expected to secure the fourth spot on the list reserved for Meretz representatives. A tight contest is underway for the second spot between Naor Narkis, who has made controversial statements advocating aggressive actions against religious institutions, and Michal Rozin, a longtime Meretz member.

This internal left-wing contest is being closely monitored by the right-wing bloc, including figures like Netanyahu, who is aware that extreme candidates can alienate moderate voters. The presence of radical candidates like Narkis, whose rhetoric is seen as offensive to religious communities, is feared to harm the Democrats’ electoral chances and provide ammunition to right-wing campaigners. Ironically, some right-wing and ultra-Orthodox factions are hoping for Narkis’s success to weaken the left-wing bloc. The outcome of these primaries could significantly influence the balance of power in the upcoming elections and the broader political landscape in Israel.