Intense Battle Unfolds in Likud Primaries Over Military Draft in Tel Aviv-Dan District

A fierce contest is underway in the Likud party primaries in the Tel Aviv-Dan district, highlighting the broader national debate over Israel's military draft law. The race pits attorney and reservist Shlomo Lerner, who served over 400 days in reserve duty including in Gaza, against ultra-Orthodox candidate Elishiv Rabin, a former aide to Shas leader Eli Yishai. Rabin benefits from organized ultra-Orthodox voter registration efforts in the district, which his opponents say could give him a significant edge, with estimates of around 1,000 new ultra-Orthodox members joining the party there. This figure, cited by Lerner's camp, is not officially confirmed by Likud.

Rabin also enjoys backing from influential Likud figures, including Knesset member David Bitan, while Lerner has received public support from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The rivalry reflects the ongoing tension in Israeli politics between the heavy burden on reservists since the war's outbreak and the ultra-Orthodox community's opposition to the draft law and calls for equal service obligations.

The Tel Aviv-Dan primary has thus become a microcosm of the national struggle over military service and social equality, with the organized ultra-Orthodox voting bloc playing a pivotal role. The outcome will be closely watched as it may signal the balance of influence within Likud and the broader political landscape amid the contentious draft debate.