Defense Minister Israel Katz Secures Exemption From Likud Primaries Amid Internal Party Tensions

Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's late-night announcement securing reserved spots for three ministers from his party, Defense Minister Israel Katz will not need to compete in the upcoming Likud primaries scheduled for next week. Katz's exemption request, submitted to the Likud court and obtained by ynet, cited his full engagement with sensitive security matters as justification for allowing Netanyahu to place him anywhere on the party list without a primary contest. The Likud court approved the request, emphasizing the party's best interest amid the current security situation.

This exemption contrasts with Katz's stance in June 2022, when he publicly opposed reserved slots within Likud primaries, advocating for all candidates to compete fairly before the party's 150,000 members. Katz had stated that the party has many loyal and capable members who deserve the chance to be elected without special treatment.

The decision to shield Katz from the primaries has intensified internal friction within Likud, as it is seen as part of Netanyahu's broader strategy to shape the party list and sideline certain incumbent members. A senior Likud source suggested Katz pressured Netanyahu to secure his own reserved spot before supporting the reserved slots proposal. Additionally, Netanyahu reportedly aims to block popular figures like MK Tali Gottlieb from entering the top ten list, fearing her influence could alter the party's direction.

Gottlieb criticized Katz's exemption, calling him "the man and the immunity," and described Netanyahu's move as a disgrace that mocks Likud voters. She highlighted the need to fight the judicial system she claims persecutes the right-wing government and its supporters. The controversy reflects ongoing dissatisfaction among Likud members over Netanyahu's increasing use of reserved spots, with nine such exemptions granted up to the 29th place on the list, including one expected for MK Michel Buskila, an ally of Gideon Sa'ar.

The primaries remain a focal point of tension as Netanyahu consolidates control over the party list ahead of upcoming elections, balancing security concerns with internal political maneuvering.