Likud Prepares for Major Shakeup as 140,000 Members Vote in Primaries

The Likud party is gearing up for a pivotal primary election on Monday, where over 140,000 registered members will determine the party's candidate list for the upcoming Knesset elections. This vote, the first in four years, could significantly reshape the party's leadership, introducing new faces while potentially ending the political careers of several long-standing members.

Several prominent figures, including Yoav Galant, Danny Danon, and Ofir Akunis, have already been removed from the list, while others like Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz have voluntarily retired. Meanwhile, political comebacks are underway with Gideon Sa'ar securing a reserved spot and Ze'ev Elkin re-entering the race. Ministers Katz and Katz have secured their positions through reserved slots, avoiding direct competition.

Despite these internal shifts, Benjamin Netanyahu remains the undisputed leader of Likud, with no public challengers to his leadership. The primary battle centers on who will emerge as strong allies within Netanyahu's faction. Netanyahu has influenced the list by securing ten reserved spots, allowing him to shape the party's lineup significantly.

The primary voting will take place from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM across more than 100 polling stations, with initial results expected around 11:00 PM and final official results anticipated by Tuesday evening. The rankings will not only determine Knesset seats but also signal political strength within the party, impacting future ministerial appointments and potential leadership succession after Netanyahu.

This primary is seen as a critical moment for Likud, balancing survival for veteran politicians against the rise of new contenders, all under the shadow of Netanyahu's enduring influence.