Likud Faces Intense Power Struggles and Last-Minute Deals Ahead of Primaries

With just 36 hours remaining before the Likud party primaries on Monday, tensions within the party have reached a peak. Candidates are exhausted and stressed, yet they continue to court party members to secure votes, as political survival hinges on these contests. A senior insider described the stakes for some ministers as "a matter of political life or death," noting the unprecedented intensity of these primaries.

The atmosphere is marked by strategic alliances and last-minute deal-making, with some candidates withdrawing, easing pressure on others. For example, Nir Barkat’s attempted political comeback and Eliyahu Revivo’s withdrawal have shifted the dynamics, providing some relief in negotiations. Campaigns remain vigorous, with figures like Miri Regev and Tali Gottlieb competing for top female spots, while others such as Amir Ohana and Yoav Kish continue their battles on judicial and political fronts.

Amid the chaos, some candidates like Amit Halevi are seen as potential surprises due to their appeal among free voters and strategic alliances, including one with a faction leader controlling about 1,500 party members. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s office is carefully weighing whom to support, aware that backing certain candidates could create new political debts or rivals.

The primaries also reflect broader challenges, such as the Ethiopian community’s representation gap following the withdrawal of Sagie Malka after MK Moshe Solomon’s departure, contrasting with Benny Gantz’s coalition representation through MK Pnina Tamano-Shata. After months of campaigning and internal battles, Likud will face the real test of uniting its ranks to compete in the upcoming general election from a difficult starting point.