Likud Primary Poll Shows Tali Gottlieb Third, Boaz Bismuth Surges Ahead

A recent poll conducted by "Free Voices" among 1,062 Likud party members reveals significant shifts in the party's primary rankings ahead of the 2026 elections. Tali Gottlieb secured third place, while Boaz Bismuth emerged as the surprise high-riser. Meanwhile, veteran politicians like Israel Katz and Haim Katz saw their standings drop considerably, with Israel Katz falling to 19th place in the weighted list after accounting for reserved spots and ministerial appointments.

The poll's scenario assumes Likud wins 30 Knesset seats, under which only about half of the current 40 Likud MKs and ministers running in the primaries are expected to retain their seats. This puts established figures such as Miki Zohar, David Bitan, and Haim Katz at risk of losing their positions, while newer candidates are climbing the ranks.

Dr. Nimrod Nir, analyzing the results, attributed these changes to shifts in both the preferences and composition of Likud members, noting that the current electorate is more nationalist and religious compared to the previous cycle. He emphasized that there are "no sentiments for veteran MKs," indicating a competitive and transformative primary race.

The evolving dynamics suggest that the Likud primaries will not only be a contest for top list positions but also a critical battle for the political survival of several long-standing party members.