Netanyahu Secures Key List Reservations Amid Internal Likud Tensions Ahead of Primaries

With 87 days remaining until Israel's elections, internal conflicts have surfaced within the Likud party over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's push to reserve eight realistic slots on the party's Knesset list. This move, aimed at consolidating control and refreshing the party lineup, risks sidelining many incumbent MKs and ministers, with estimates suggesting about half may lose their seats. Netanyahu requested approval from 4,500 Likud Central Committee members for these reserved spots, sparking a fierce debate about democracy within the party.

Despite the controversy, many party members and officials publicly supported Netanyahu's plan, viewing it as necessary to inject new energy and quality into the list. Supporters like Irit Ben Dov, head of the Tel Aviv North branch, and other Central Committee members expressed confidence in Netanyahu's leadership and the value of the reserved slots. Several prominent ministers, including Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, also backed the initiative.

However, dissent came notably from MK David Bitan, who opposed the reserved slots, arguing they undermine the party's democratic process and unfairly exclude sitting MKs who have served effectively. Bitan actively campaigned against the measure in his stronghold of Rishon Lezion and criticized Netanyahu's leadership post-October 7 events, stating, "You failed, you are the manager? Go home." His opposition highlighted the internal divisions within Likud, though some colleagues insisted Bitan would not ultimately defy Netanyahu.

The party also faced embarrassment over a controversial AI-generated video targeting former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, which many members found inappropriate and misleading. This incident added to the internal tensions as the party prepares for the August 17 primaries.

Additional changes approved include allowing incumbent MKs to run in their local districts rather than only on the national list, giving Netanyahu more influence over the candidate lineup. Analysts expect Netanyahu to reserve spots for allies from allied parties like Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit to shape the coalition bloc.

In the end, Netanyahu and Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz prevailed, passing the reserved slots and district candidacy proposals. The party is set to hold primaries on August 17, with members like Ben Dov promising a "celebration of democracy." Meanwhile, Bitan, facing political isolation, reflected on his career, acknowledging 12 years as an MK as a respectable tenure.