Likud's Eliyahu Revivo Withdraws From Primaries Citing Reserved Slots Barrier

Eliyahu Revivo, the Likud party's Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, announced on August 13, 2026, that he will not participate in the upcoming Likud primaries scheduled for the following week. He criticized the party's reserved slot system, stating it makes it very difficult to secure a realistic position on the list. Revivo emphasized that politics has never been an end for him but a means to serve, affirming his continued commitment to the Likud and its national mission despite leaving the Knesset.

Earlier that week, reports revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle had offered Revivo the position of Israeli ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, replacing the current ambassador Yossi Shelly, in exchange for his withdrawal from the Likud list. In his resignation statement, Revivo highlighted his belief in being right-wing, ideological, and determined while also being moderate and pragmatic, which he described as the true path of Likud.

Revivo called for responsible leadership and stressed the need to form a broad government in Israel. He concluded by affirming his loyalty to the Likud and its national vision, despite ending his parliamentary career.