Netanyahu’s Control and Lackluster Campaigns Mark Likud Primaries Ahead of Elections

The Likud party is set to hold its primary elections in less than a week, determining the composition of its Knesset list amid a backdrop of diminishing enthusiasm and strong control by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite the party’s historical image as accessible and populist, this year’s primaries reveal a stark contrast, with Netanyahu reserving spots for himself and 11 others, including key ministers such as Israel Katz and Gideon Sa’ar. Recent polls predict Likud may secure only 22 seats, meaning over half of the party’s Knesset members will be handpicked by Netanyahu, underscoring his dominance.

Campaign videos from candidates like Defense Minister Israel Katz have been criticized for their poor quality and lack of substance, with some observers likening the primaries to a farce. Katz, nicknamed "Boom Boom Boom Katz" for his aggressive rhetoric, appears fearful of losing his place without Netanyahu’s protection. Other ministers and candidates, including Idith Silman, Mai Golan, and Ze'ev Elkin, have also released embarrassing promotional materials that alienate veteran Likud supporters.

The article highlights internal contradictions within the party, noting Netanyahu’s criticism of former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot’s ethnic background while simultaneously securing reserved spots for three Ashkenazi ministers. This ethnic tension reflects a broader disconnect between Likud’s current leadership and its traditional roots. The piece also references Otto von Bismarck’s phrase "great appetite but small teeth" to describe the candidates’ ambitions versus their actual political effectiveness.

Overall, the primaries expose a Likud struggling with internal divisions, lack of genuine competition, and a leadership style that stifles renewal. The party’s focus on personal power plays and superficial campaign efforts raises concerns about its future effectiveness and the broader state of Israeli politics.