Netanyahu Publicly Reveals Preferred and Blacklisted Candidates Ahead of Likud Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly disclosed his preferred candidates and those he seeks to exclude from the Likud party list ahead of the upcoming primaries. Departing from his previous practice of covertly influencing candidate selections, Netanyahu has made his endorsements and exclusions widely known to all Likud members. This transparency marks a significant shift in internal party dynamics, highlighting Netanyahu's direct involvement in shaping the candidate roster.

Among those favored by Netanyahu are candidates like Almog Cohen, who is running a campaign based on popularity. Conversely, Netanyahu has taken a hard stance against certain members, notably Knesset members Tali Gottlieb and Mai Golan. Concerns arose within Netanyahu's office that these two might defect to the Otzma Yehudit party or otherwise harm the Likud list's cohesion and electoral prospects. As a result, an emergency meeting was held to discuss their potential removal, signaling a dramatic political attempt to sideline them in the final stretch before the primaries.

Netanyahu also exercised restraint in granting shortened service exemptions (kitzur Pazam) to candidates, limiting these privileges to a select few rather than broadly distributing them. This selective approach underscores his strategic efforts to consolidate power within the party by empowering loyalists and marginalizing dissenters.

The traditional power centers within Likud remain but have diminished in influence, while the so-called "free voters", members not bound by organized factions or deals, are gaining strength. The outcome of the primaries will reveal whether this trend continues, potentially reshaping the party's internal balance of power.

The developments reflect Netanyahu's intent to control the party's direction openly and decisively, setting the stage for a contentious primary battle within Likud.