Netanyahu Seeks to Reshape Likud Leadership to Project Moderation Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is orchestrating a strategic reshuffle within the Likud party's top ranks to present a more moderate image and minimize the prominence of hardline figures who might provoke public opposition. The current candidate list for the party's top ten positions is being formed around individuals favored by the party leadership, utilizing the reserved slots approved overwhelmingly at the recent Likud convention. However, this plan is not yet finalized as it requires approval from the party's secretariat, chaired by Israel Katz.

The move has sparked discontent among some ministers and Knesset members who feel that the allocation of reserved slots undermines their realistic placement on the list, effectively pushing them down the ranks. This dissatisfaction could lead to a tense debate in the upcoming secretariat meeting, which will determine whether Netanyahu's proposed list composition remains intact.

Among those targeted by this reshuffle is Tali Gottlieb, described as a strong figure within Likud, whose influence Netanyahu appears intent on reducing. The overarching motive behind these maneuvers is Netanyahu's desire to shape the party leadership in a way that signals moderation to the broader public, potentially improving Likud's electoral prospects by avoiding the elevation of controversial or confrontational personalities.