Likud Faces Internal Turmoil as Primaries Proceed Amid Political Accusations

The Likud party is embroiled in internal conflict over the upcoming primaries following a ruling by the party's court mandating the primaries be held despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to cancel them due to a security emergency. The court's decision, which contradicts Netanyahu's position, has intensified tensions within the party.

Ahead of the vote at the party conference, the number of reserved spots for Netanyahu on the list was increased to eight, allowing 29 members of Knesset, ministers, and deputy ministers to run in the primaries. Likud MK David Bitan publicly declared that the primaries will take place and criticized the silence of Likud ministers, accusing them of fearing retaliation from Netanyahu loyalists, whom he referred to as "Bibi's people." Bitan also accused Minister Haim Katz of orchestrating a political deal with Netanyahu that harms the party.

In parallel, Dimona Mayor Benny Biton called for canceling the primaries, describing them as a temporary measure that distracts from more urgent matters, especially during the ongoing conflict. He argued that the prime minister needs full support now and noted that most Likud MKs and ministers prefer to avoid the primaries.

Bitan further commented on the strained relations between Likud and the ultra-Orthodox parties, suggesting that while the ultra-Orthodox are unlikely to oppose Likud, the cost of their support will increase after the elections. This comes amid statements from Motti Babchik, a key figure in the United Torah Judaism party, claiming the Netanyahu bloc no longer exists.

The internal dispute highlights the challenges Netanyahu faces within his own party as the primaries approach, with some members pushing for full democratic procedures and others advocating for unity and stability during a time of national crisis.