Netanyahu Plans Major Likud Revamp with Media Figures Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing a significant overhaul of the Likud party ahead of the upcoming elections, aiming to counteract declining support linked to the party's alliance with ultra-Orthodox factions and its current candidate list. Recent internal polls and focus groups reveal that the close association with the Haredi parties and the current candidate lineup are alienating potential voters, including traditional Likud supporters.

In response, Netanyahu has begun distancing himself from the ultra-Orthodox bloc, exemplified by his controversial statement that those who do not study Torah should be arrested. Despite this, he recognizes that completely breaking from the Haredim will yield limited success due to their integral role in his coalition and the opposition and media's efforts to tie him to them.

Netanyahu is now focusing on reshaping the Likud candidate list, likely through primaries, to introduce fresh faces and strengthen the party's public image. While he cannot fully control the list, he plans to reserve seven slots for well-known media personalities with proven public presence to lead the campaign. These "new sharks" will serve as the party's prominent representatives during the election period, carefully selected to speak publicly and enhance Likud's appeal.

This strategy contrasts with other parties whose candidate rosters are nearly exhausted of star power. Netanyahu aims to surprise voters with these notable additions, hoping the revamped list will revitalize the party's standing. The key question remains whether this approach will succeed in reversing Likud's recent electoral challenges.