Two Likud MKs Withdraw from Party Primaries at Last Minute

Ahead of the Likud party primaries, two members of the Knesset, Eliyahu Revivo and Michel Buskila, were notably absent from the official candidate list. Sources indicate that Revivo, who had initially planned to run, ultimately decided not to participate in the primaries. Buskila's absence is believed to be linked to expectations that he might receive a reserved spot on the party's Knesset list, although this has not been officially confirmed.

The Likud party is preparing for primaries with 31 candidates competing for 12 Knesset seats, raising questions about who will secure a place in the next parliament. In recent days, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with several Likud MKs, including Revivo and Shalom Danino, to ease internal tensions and unify the party ahead of the vote. During these meetings, Netanyahu reportedly offered various positions, such as ambassadorial roles, to persuade some MKs not to run in the primaries. This strategy aims to reduce the number of candidates and create room for others who fear being placed in nonviable positions on the list.

The Likud party has not issued any official comment regarding these developments. The primaries are a critical step in determining the party's lineup for the upcoming Knesset elections, with internal negotiations continuing behind the scenes.