Likud Members Vote on Netanyahu and Katz's Proposals to Shape Upcoming Primaries

After a prolonged series of debates, delays, and attempts to undermine the process, Likud Central Committee members voted on Monday on two key proposals from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Central Committee Chairman Minister Haim Katz regarding the conduct of the party primaries and the composition of the next Knesset list. Voting centers closed with a turnout of 72.7%, with 3,387 members casting ballots across 16 locations. Results are expected to be announced later in the evening.

The first proposal, led by Netanyahu, grants him eight reserved slots within the top 29 list positions, mostly considered safe according to polls, specifically at places 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26 (two slots), and 29. The second proposal, from Katz, suggests allowing current Knesset members and ministers to run in regional slots, which will be reduced in number for the upcoming primaries. Netanyahu’s reserved slots proposal received broad support among Likud members, while Katz’s regional slot plan faced public opposition from MK David Bitan, who accused Katz of creating a faction within the party.

Netanyahu views the list composition as critical for electoral success and has for the first time since leading Likud promoted far-reaching committee proposals instead of traditional primaries. One reserved slot is promised to Katz, with speculation that MK Eti Atiya might also receive a slot. The reserved slots have stirred internal tensions, though most MKs and ministers have not publicly opposed them except Bitan, who warned that the vote is decisive for Likud’s democratic character and future.

Additional reserved slots are expected for Minister Gideon Sa’ar due to his alliance with the "New Hope" party, and possibly for MK Michel Buskila, recently appointed Deputy Foreign Minister. Support for Netanyahu’s plan was voiced by Minister Shlomo Karai, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Coalition Chairman MK Ofir Katz, all urging members to vote in favor to secure victory in the crucial upcoming elections.

Likud members also approved Katz’s proposal to consolidate some regional districts, reducing the number of slots, such as combining the Shfela, Jerusalem, and West Bank districts into one slot at position 27, and merging Tel Aviv and Dan districts at position 28. The official primary regulations were also ratified. Recently, senior Likud officials suspected Netanyahu of delaying the primaries, citing security concerns, but the party court ruled the primaries must proceed regardless, with digital voting as a fallback if security issues arise.