Netanyahu Offers Unusual Roles to Likud MKs to Avoid Primaries Amid Party Tensions

Ahead of the upcoming Likud primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to ease internal party tensions by meeting with several Likud members of Knesset (MKs) and proposing alternative roles to dissuade them from running in the primaries. These roles include ambassadorial positions and other appointments, aiming to reduce the number of candidates competing and alleviate fears among MKs about being placed in unrealistic list positions that would prevent their re-election.

Netanyahu has recently met with MKs such as Shalom Danino and Eliyahu Revivo and is expected to continue these discussions in the coming days. The move is designed to create space on the party list for other MKs who worry about losing their seats. Currently, 19 Likud MKs or ministers are unlikely to secure a spot within the top 30 positions on the party list, which are considered realistic for entering the next Knesset.

Even if Likud remains in power after the elections, only some MKs appointed as ministers can resign under the Norwegian Law to allow others on the list to enter the Knesset, leaving about 13 MKs or ministers effectively out of the race. This situation has intensified pressure and competition ahead of the primaries scheduled for next week, with many candidates frustrated by the limited realistic slots and the party's system of reserved spots, which Netanyahu approved at the party conference.

Likud has chosen not to comment on these developments. The internal struggle highlights the significant challenges Netanyahu faces in maintaining party unity while managing the electoral list ahead of the 2026 elections.