Netanyahu’s Likud Faces Cultural War as Judicial Reform Drives Primary Voters’ Priorities

As the Likud party prepares for its upcoming primaries, the battle for the support of approximately 140,000 eligible party members is intensifying. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nine reserved slots on the party list leave limited room for other candidates, prompting ministers and Knesset members to campaign vigorously across Israel. They engage in numerous phone calls and public events to secure votes, reflecting a highly competitive atmosphere ahead of Monday’s vote.

The party’s voter base divides into two main groups: about 40% are part of organized political deals backed by influential leaders, while the remaining 60% are independent voters who decide based on the daily agendas of public officials. Netanyahu, concerned about the primary results, secured an unusually high number of reserved slots to balance the list with more moderate figures, aiming to appeal to a broader electorate wary of perceived extremism within the current coalition.

Recent internal surveys reveal that around 80% of Likud members prioritize judicial issues, viewing the legal system, the Attorney General, and the Supreme Court’s activism as urgent problems. This concern has unified the party’s rhetoric, with senior ministers adopting hardline messages against the judiciary, including calls to disregard court rulings. The campaign against the judiciary has become a cultural struggle, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among voters who feel alienated by what they see as an elite-dominated legal system. This sentiment has fueled the rise of politicians like Tali Gottlieb, Yariv Levin, and Amir Ohana, who strongly oppose the current judicial framework.

Security issues, especially regarding Iran, remain the second most important topic for about 60% of voters, reinforcing Netanyahu’s long-standing image as a security-focused leader. Surprisingly, economic concerns such as the cost of living have declined in priority, with only 40% of members considering them significant. Other issues like education, settlement support, and regional development rank even lower.

Overall, the primary campaign underscores a profound shift in Likud’s core priorities, with judicial reform dominating voter concerns. This focus challenges Netanyahu’s efforts to present a more moderate list and suggests that the party’s future leadership will be shaped by those who take the strongest stance against the judiciary.