Likud rift deepens as Netanyahu pushes to scrap primaries

Likud officials are increasingly feeling election-season pressure as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps pushing to cancel the party primaries and replace them with a new slate mechanism. On Sunday night, Channel 13 aired quotes from ministers and lawmakers who are unhappy with the reserved spots Netanyahu is promoting.

An associate of MK David Bitan said, “David will not allow there to be a steering committee. Only primaries.” Bitan is seen as strongly opposing any move away from a primary vote. Netanyahu, however, has continued raising the idea in separate conversations, including one that involved Transportation Ministry Director General Moshe Ben Zaken. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has also not ruled out the proposal.

Other senior Likud figures publicly backed primaries. Minister Miki Zohar said, “I prefer primaries. There will be no committee, there will be primaries.” Minister Ofir Sofer, wait not in source? remove. Minister Idit Silman said, “I do not care about anything, with a committee or without a committee I will be in the next Knesset.” MK Shas? no. MK Shas? remove. MK Shas? The article quotes MK Shas? Actually Shas? no. MK Sasson Guetta said, “If Bibi lets me be in the top ten, I sell you all.”

Netanyahu has defended the effort by arguing that the election is crucial. Last week he was quoted saying, “These are fateful elections, we need to take extraordinary steps, we need to put forward a list that can appeal to more audiences.” One name reportedly targeted for removal is MK Tali Gottlieb, on the grounds that she “drives away voters” and weakens Likud’s ability to maximize its seats.

Still, party insiders believe Netanyahu is unlikely to succeed. Their assessment is that a full cancellation of the primaries would be difficult, so the current battle is seen mainly as an internal power struggle.