Netanyahu-Led Likud Primaries Reach Climax with Controversial Candidate Rules Vote

The internal Likud party primaries peaked on Monday as party conference members voted on three key proposals backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These included changing the primary election system, allowing current Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers to run in regional districts and reserved slots, and approving Netanyahu’s selection of eight reserved spots up to the 29th place on the party list. Voting took place nationwide throughout the day.

By evening, with about 50% of votes counted, the most contentious issue was the proposal permitting sitting lawmakers and ministers to compete in districts and reserved slots, a right previously denied to them to maintain fairness for new candidates. MK David Bitan led the opposition, arguing the changes were driven by Likud Central Committee Chairman Minister Haim Katz, not Netanyahu, and would harm new candidates and weaken the list. A sharp confrontation between Bitan and Katz occurred two weeks ago during a Likud Constitution Committee meeting, ending with Bitan walking out.

The vote came a day after the Likud court rejected Netanyahu’s request to amend party rules to cancel primaries in case of security tensions. The court ruled that internal elections must proceed even under such circumstances, allowing only postponement or electronic voting if necessary. The decision emphasized that Likud is not a one-man party and stressed the obligation to hold primaries.

The results will shape the Likud list ahead of upcoming elections, with Netanyahu securing significant influence through reserved slots and expanded candidacy options for incumbents. The party remains divided over the balance between protecting incumbents and opening opportunities for new candidates.