140,000 Likud Members Vote in Crucial Primaries Amid Netanyahu's Reserved Seats

The Likud party's intense primary elections reach a critical point on Monday as approximately 140,000 registered members cast their votes at 80 polling stations nationwide to determine the party's candidate list for the 26th Knesset. This internal contest has drawn significant attention due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu securing eight reserved slots, alongside additional reserved positions for ministers Israel Katz and Haim Katz. Netanyahu stated he would vote for a "winning list" and emphasized he would not interfere with the national list composition.

The primaries are fiercely competitive, with over 120 candidates vying for realistic spots on the list. Recent polls indicate a decline in Likud's projected seats to 22-23, significantly reducing the number of safe positions from the current 41 sitting MKs and ministers to only 14. This challenging environment led three incumbent MKs, Eliyahu Revivo, Moshe Pasel, and Tzega Malka, to withdraw, citing the difficulties posed by the party's internal election system and reserved slots.

Attention is particularly focused on Minister Nir Barkat and MK Tali Gottlieb. Reports suggest Netanyahu prefers both to be placed near the bottom of the list. Internal polls presented to Netanyahu before the primaries indicate Gottlieb is likely to secure a spot in the second ten on the list but could cost the party two to three seats among key voter groups. Netanyahu described these findings as "disturbing" but chose not to intervene officially. Barkat reportedly sought an urgent meeting with Netanyahu, which was declined, signaling a cool stance from the Prime Minister's office. Barkat also denied reports that he attempted to oust Netanyahu following the events of October 7.

Separately, the Breslov Hasidic community, led by Rabbi Yaakov Gan of Uman, issued a letter ahead of the primaries highlighting the importance of visiting Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's tomb and expressing gratitude to public figures who have supported the community. The letter named several Likud members, including Ministers Miki Zohar, Dudi Amsalem, May Golan, and MK Ze'ev Elkin.

Polling stations opened at 10:00 AM and closed at 10:00 PM, with initial results expected around midnight. Political observers are closely monitoring the top list positions and the fate of prominent candidates. Internal data suggests MK Tali Gottlieb and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana are leading in member support, with Gottlieb projected to be in the list's second tier and Ohana enjoying broad backing.