Netanyahu Faces Internal Turmoil as Likud Ministers Fear Reprisal Over Primary Changes

Amidst growing internal unrest within the Likud party, ministers and Knesset members express deep frustration and fear over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent decisions regarding the party's primary elections. A Likud MK confided to a close colleague about the emotional turmoil caused by shifting reports on the number of reserved slots ("shielded" positions) Netanyahu intends to allocate, fluctuating between eight and ten, and even talk of canceling the primaries altogether. This uncertainty threatens the efforts of many who have worked for years preparing for the primaries, from local branch heads to senior activists.

Despite the discontent, open criticism is rare due to fear of political repercussions. The only public dissent came from MK David Bitan, who instead of directly opposing Netanyahu, attacked Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz and urged party members to "save Netanyahu from Katz." However, the committee ultimately approved all of Netanyahu's demands without resistance.

The article also highlights the impact of recent polls showing Likud with only 20 to 23 mandates, a significant drop from previous elections where the party secured 35 to 36 seats. This decline intensifies competition for the limited reserved slots among about 40 ministers and MKs. Netanyahu's main concern remains securing a right-wing bloc majority of around 61 seats to prevent opposition leader Gadi Eizenkot from forming a government.

Further complicating Netanyahu's position are recent military conflicts, including two wars against Iran and confrontations with Hezbollah and Gaza, which failed to boost his political standing. His close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, once a key political asset, has cooled amid criticism over the Iran conflicts and Trump's reluctance to meet Netanyahu before upcoming elections. Netanyahu eventually secured a meeting with Trump only after agreeing to U.S. demands to allow an international force into Gaza, but the encounter was notably cold and lacked the mutual praise Netanyahu hoped for.

Overall, Netanyahu faces a challenging political landscape within his party and the broader right-wing bloc, with internal dissent suppressed by fear and external pressures mounting as elections approach.