About 40% of Likud Central Committee Members Support Netanyahu's Proposal on Party List Rules

After months of internal disputes and delays, Likud's central committee members began voting on a package of proposals that will determine the rules for the party's upcoming primary elections and the composition of its Knesset list. The vote, seen as one of the most significant in recent years within Likud, could influence both the next election results and the party's internal power balance for years to come.

At the heart of the proposal is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to secure eight reserved spots on the party list at realistic positions according to polls, including slots 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 23, 26, and 29. Some of these reserved places are expected to go to senior party figures such as Minister Haim Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. The proposal also includes a new primary election regulation and the merging of several regional districts, a move supporters say aligns the list structure with current political realities, while opponents argue it diminishes district influence.

The debate has been contentious, with MK David Bitan publicly opposing the proposal, claiming it undermines the party's democratic character and strengthens the power of Likud's central chairman, Haim Katz. Conversely, ministers Israel Katz, Shlomo Karhi, and coalition chairman Ofir Katz have urged committee members to back Netanyahu's plan, arguing it equips the prime minister to form a winning list.

The voting began with a turnout of 35.9% (1,669 out of 4,654 members) five hours before polls closed. Netanyahu did not vote as he traveled to Washington, though his son Yair Netanyahu and Minister Dudi Amsalem voted in Jerusalem. Participation rates varied by district, with Shfela leading at 42.5% and Judea and Samaria lagging at 23.2%. Meanwhile, former minister Eyoub Kara and attorney Avichai Shasha Cohen officially joined the race for the Likud list.

As the deadline approaches, Likud awaits whether voter turnout will rise significantly and if Netanyahu's proposal will be approved, potentially reshaping the party list and internal power dynamics ahead of the next election.