Yuli Edelstein Emerges as Potential Leader of Netanyahu's Ouster Effort Within Likud

Ahead of the Likud primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle is concerned that incumbent Knesset members who lose their spots may retaliate by backing a constructive no-confidence motion against him. To mitigate this risk, Netanyahu is holding personal talks with Likud MKs to gauge their intentions if they fail to secure realistic positions on the party list. These conversations aim to prevent surprises and allow Netanyahu to address dissent early.

Yuli Edelstein has been identified in closed discussions as the main figure who could lead an internal move to unseat Netanyahu within Likud. The party is also grappling with tensions over the allocation of reserved slots on the list, which exclude current and former ministers and deputy ministers from competing in certain districts. This has caused frustration among many Likud members fearing exclusion from the next Knesset.

Recent polling by Maariv and the Agam Institute shows 14% of Likud voters might support Gilad Erdan's "Unity" party, which is actively recruiting disaffected Likud members. However, Erdan's party requires new members to commit to core principles, including opposing a narrow government and promoting genuine enlistment of Haredim and national service for Arabs.

Netanyahu is reportedly considering relinquishing some of his reserved slots to allow more incumbents to remain on the list, aiming to reduce internal dissent. His decision on the number of reserved slots will depend on the primary results and the resulting power balance. Additionally, Netanyahu has struggled to recruit prominent figures to the list, while Yair Golan's Democratic Party has waived its reserved slots, a move that may influence Netanyahu's choices.

The outcome of these dynamics will shape Likud's composition and Netanyahu's leadership prospects following the primaries scheduled for later this year.