Netanyahu Denies Interfering in Likud Primaries Amid Internal Party Tensions

On the eve of the Likud party primaries, political tensions within Israel's ruling party have escalated sharply. Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu issued a public statement on Sunday evening aiming to calm the situation, asserting that he will vote for a winning list that prevents Benny Gantz and Yair Golan from forming a narrow government with Arab parties. Netanyahu emphasized he is not interfering in the national list and wished all candidates success.

Despite this public declaration, Netanyahu has been actively engaging behind the scenes since morning, holding phone calls and meetings with key faction leaders and activists. According to Kan News, he has conveyed explicit preferences for five favored candidates and is working to push down rivals such as Tali Gottlieb, David Bitan, and Nir Barkat on the list. The internal conflict intensified after two MKs considered resigning last week in protest over reserved slots Netanyahu granted to ministers Israel Katz, Haim Katz, and Gideon Sa’ar.

A notable clash involves Netanyahu backing Dr. Ruth Kavas Abremzon, a right-wing figure and panelist on Channel 14, for the "new woman" slot at number 34, competing directly against David Bitan’s candidate Keren Bublil and Likud’s Osnat Zoher. Netanyahu’s supporters have begun promoting Kavas Abremzon while sidelining other candidates. Bitan is also opposing efforts to change the election method and expand reserved slots.

About 80 candidates are competing for roughly 17 realistic spots in the national Likud list, with 31 current MKs and ministers vying for these places. Only three of eight incumbent female MKs are expected to secure realistic positions, meaning 14 sitting MKs and ministers may lose their seats. Intense battles are expected at the top of the list, with Speaker Amir Ohana leading against ministers Yariv Levin, Eli Cohen, and MK Tali Gottlieb. Netanyahu aims to promote Minister Miri Regev as the party’s top female candidate against rivals including May Golan, Idit Silman, Gila Gamliel, Tali Gottlieb, and Eti Atiya.

A high voter turnout is anticipated to weaken organized deal-making and benefit independent candidates like Amichai Shikli and Moshe Saada, while low turnout would strengthen the influence of Haim Katz and David Bitan.