Netanyahu Loyalists in Likud Face Political Backlash Ahead of 2026 Primaries

As the Likud party approaches its 2026 primaries and Knesset list formation, longtime loyalists to Benjamin Netanyahu are confronting a harsh political reality. After years of unwavering allegiance to Netanyahu and his family, many Likud MKs and ministers find themselves without political security, forced to compete fiercely for limited spots on the party list. This shift exposes the erosion of internal party democracy and ideological diversity, as loyalty to Netanyahu has increasingly overshadowed commitment to party principles or public service.

Veteran political commentator Eitan Kabil highlights how the party, once known for robust internal debate and ideological variety, has transformed into a vehicle centered on personal loyalty to Netanyahu. He notes that criticism of Netanyahu or his family is now equated with betrayal, leading many elected officials to suppress their independence and prioritize pleasing the leader and his relatives. This dynamic has culminated in Netanyahu controlling key list placements through reserved slots, sidelining even his most devoted supporters.

Kabil warns that this concentration of power threatens the democratic fabric of the party and raises questions about Likud's future identity once Netanyahu departs. The irony is stark: those who bent over backward to defend and promote Netanyahu now face exclusion, while the leader’s family members, such as his son Yair Netanyahu, could secure guaranteed positions. The article concludes with a caution to Likud politicians to recognize that their political fate is tied directly to Netanyahu’s decisions, not to external forces like the opposition or judiciary.