Likud Primaries See Incumbents Withdraw Amid Intense Competition and Internal Polls

Three incumbent Likud Knesset members, Eliyahu Revivo, Moshe Passal, and Tzaga Malka, have withdrawn from the party's primary race due to the complexity of the internal election system and reserved slots. Revivo criticized the internal mechanism, stating that the election method and reserved positions make competition very difficult. This reflects frustration among candidates as eight slots have been reserved for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, limiting open competition.

Senior ministers Israel Katz, Haim Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, Michal Bouskila, and businessman Oren Dovronski have secured reserved spots, with a potential reserved slot being considered for footballer Menashe Zalka, a move that has drawn criticism within the party. Internal polls indicate that Knesset member Tali Gottlieb and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana are leading in support among party members, with Gottlieb expected to place in the second top ten of the list and Ohana enjoying broad backing.

The polls also show senior ministers like Yoav Kish, Shlomo Karai, Gila Gamliel, and Dudi Amsalem being pushed down the list, creating tension among the 34 incumbents competing for a limited number of safe spots in the general elections. Netanyahu described the polling data as "disturbing" but has refrained from official intervention, emphasizing that party members will make the final decisions. Gottlieb denied reports suggesting her rise could cost the party two to three seats.

Meanwhile, Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed in a radio interview that several Likud ministers and Knesset members approached him seeking reserved spots on his party list due to fears of losing in the primaries. Ben-Gvir rejected these requests, stating he wants to build a party with committed members and dismissed the idea of reserving Likud politicians on his list.