Netanyahu Offers MK Eliyahu Revivo UAE Ambassadorship to Skip Likud Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle recently proposed that Eliyahu Revivo, the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, be appointed as Israel's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. This offer was made in exchange for Revivo not running in the upcoming Likud party primaries. The proposal is part of Netanyahu's broader strategy to shape a loyal party list and prevent independent-minded Knesset members from gaining influence.

According to sources within Likud, other party members have received similar offers of various positions to dissuade them from appearing on the party's candidate list. Netanyahu's concern extends beyond the elections themselves to the post-election period, fearing that some MKs might act independently or collaborate with political rivals. His goal is to ensure a fully loyal Likud faction.

Revivo is intended to replace Yossi Shelly as ambassador to the UAE. Shelly, who was recalled to Israel last year at the Emiratis' request due to personal and moral controversies, technically still holds the ambassadorial post. Reports revealed that Shelly was seen behaving inappropriately at a bar in the UAE, an incident confirmed by multiple sources and considered inconsistent with the expected conduct of an ambassador.

This development highlights Netanyahu's efforts to consolidate control over the Likud party by offering diplomatic roles to potential challengers, thereby influencing the party's parliamentary composition and loyalty after the elections.