Likud Primaries Deal Blow to Incumbent MK Eti Atia in Dan-Tel Aviv District

Ahead of the Likud party primaries, the influential right-wing grassroots organization Matot Arim has officially endorsed Dor Harlap, a Givat Shmuel city council member, as its recommended candidate for the Dan-Tel Aviv district. This endorsement represents a significant political setback for incumbent Knesset member Eti Chava Atia, who is also competing in the same district. Political analysts note that recent changes to Likud's rules allowing sitting MKs to run in different districts were largely designed to facilitate Atia's candidacy in Dan-Tel Aviv. Despite this, Matot Arim chose to back Harlap, potentially giving him strong support among Likud members aligned with the ideological right.

Dor Harlap is recognized for over a decade of activism supporting Jewish settlement and identity, including efforts to strengthen settlements and apply Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Matot Arim, established in the 1990s following the Oslo Accords, is one of the most influential grassroots organizations in the non-parliamentary right-wing camp, known for opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state and promoting settlement expansion. Although not a political party, it wields considerable influence among ideological right-wing voters.

The endorsement of Harlap comes amid a heated contest for district nominations within Likud, as candidates vie for the backing of key grassroots organizations and influential member groups. For Harlap, Matot Arim's support is a major boost against an incumbent MK and signals a push by the ideological camp to refresh Likud's list with representatives deeply connected to grassroots activism and public causes.