Likud Primaries Begin Nationwide as 140,000 Members Vote on Party List

The Likud party primaries officially commenced this morning across Israel, with polling stations opening from Eilat in the south to Kiryat Shmona in the north. Approximately 140,000 registered Likud members are eligible to vote, determining the composition of the party's candidate list for the upcoming elections. Voting will continue until 9 PM, with initial results expected around 11 PM and final official outcomes anticipated by Tuesday afternoon or evening.

The primaries involve 124 candidates competing for positions on the party list, including 79 on the national list and 45 in regional districts. However, due to party agreements and reserved slots, the real contest is for about 15 realistic spots. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds the authority to allocate eight reserved slots at key list positions, including for Defense Minister Israel Katz, who secured his place through prior arrangements. Netanyahu has publicly endorsed several candidates, including Knesset member Almog Cohen and regional candidates Erez Tadmor and attorney Shlomo Lerner.

Significant changes occurred before voting began, with notable figures such as Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz leaving Likud for other parties, and Eliyahu Revivo, Tzaga Malko, and Moshe Pasal withdrawing from the race. Gideon Sa'ar is already secured on the list, and Ze'ev Elkin is running within Likud. Ministers Israel Katz and Haim Katz chose not to compete, having guaranteed their spots through earlier deals.

Political analysts view these primaries as a critical moment for Likud, potentially reshaping the party's leadership amid fears that veteran ministers and Knesset members could lose their seats. The weakening of major political deals has increased the influence of "free votes" from rank-and-file members. A key focus is whether Minister Nir Barkat will be ousted from the party's top ranks. It is estimated that around 20,000 votes are needed to secure a realistic list position, with higher placements requiring broader support.

The outcome of these primaries will significantly impact Likud's candidate list for the 2026 elections, signaling possible dramatic changes within the party's parliamentary faction.