Netanyahu Plans Cabinet Appointments to Ease Opposition to Likud Primary Cancellation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to soon implement a series of ministerial appointments aimed at softening opposition within the Likud party to proposed changes in the primary election process. As Israel currently has a caretaker government, Netanyahu holds the authority to appoint ministers without Knesset approval and intends to utilize this power. Although the exact details of the reshuffle have not been finalized, a meeting on the matter took place recently. Potential appointments include ministers for Housing, Health, and Interior, with names such as Yoav Kisch, Ofir Katz, and Miki Zohar being considered.

Concerns have been raised among Likud candidates that senior ministers support canceling the party primaries to avoid being placed in nonviable positions on the electoral list. Both incumbent and new candidates believe Netanyahu is likely to ultimately cancel the primaries and select the Knesset list through a committee, especially given preparations for a possible security escalation. Even if Netanyahu's proposal for holding primaries next week is approved, there remains a possibility he will cancel them close to the election date.