Netanyahu Shapes Likud Primary List Amid Rising Internal Party Tensions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already indicated which candidates he supports for the Likud party list ahead of the upcoming primaries, dividing those who will receive assistance from those expected to manage independently. Following the primaries, Netanyahu plans to focus on uniting the fragmented right-wing camp, which currently suffers from internal discord and multiple small parties struggling to pass the electoral threshold.

Unlike many newer parties that have abandoned internal democratic processes in favor of centralized leadership, Netanyahu has chosen to maintain the primary elections within Likud. However, he is simultaneously using legal maneuvers, reserved spots, and political influence to shape the list, promoting loyalists and sidelining weaker candidates. This time, the primaries are expected to be more competitive, based on popularity and performance rather than political deals.

Netanyahu’s camp emphasizes the need for a list of proven achievers with public recognition, warning that those who have remained obscure over the past four years will lose their place. Notable figures like Avichai Boaron, credited with leading significant right-wing protests and settlement efforts, are highlighted as key players. After the primaries, Netanyahu will exert pressure on right-wing factions to consolidate, aiming to avoid vote-splitting that could jeopardize the bloc’s success.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and Religious Zionist leader Bezalel Smotrich are mentioned as influential figures who have worked closely with Netanyahu to advance settlement policies in the West Bank. Meanwhile, former Minister Gilad Erdan is attempting to build a new right-wing party focused on unity and political diversity, appealing to voters willing to compromise on leadership for broader coalition possibilities. However, skepticism remains about whether such initiatives can surpass the electoral threshold.

The article underscores the ongoing power struggles within the right-wing camp and Netanyahu’s strategic efforts to maintain control over Likud and the broader political landscape ahead of the next elections.