Likud Primaries Open Amid Accusations of Intimidation by Minister Miri Regev

The Likud party primaries officially began on August 17, 2026, with approximately 140,000 eligible voters expected to participate. By 10:23 AM, 1,770 members had already cast their ballots. Voters undergo a strict identification process before receiving two ballots: one for the national list, where they select 12 candidates including reserved spots for immigrants, youth, and disabled persons, and another for district representatives, where only one candidate per district can be chosen. Polling stations will close at 10 PM, after which votes will be counted manually under legal supervision to ensure transparency, with results compiled at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv.

Transport Minister Miri Regev accused El Al Airlines of attempting to undermine her candidacy, claiming the company pressured its members not to support her due to her efforts to introduce the Waze navigation app. Regev described this as part of a broader campaign of intimidation and blackmail against her.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured a record eight reserved spots on the party list, including positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 29. He has announced plans to reserve places for businessman Oren Dobronski, Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz. Candidates must have been party members for at least three years, though Netanyahu has shortened this "qualification period" for select candidates such as Deputy Minister Almog Cohen and Minister Zeev Elkin.

The competition is intense, with 31 sitting ministers and MKs vying for only 17 realistic spots on the national list, meaning 14 incumbents are likely to lose their seats. Female representation is limited, with only three of eight incumbent women expected to secure viable positions. Candidates pay participation fees ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 shekels and typically run extensive campaigns involving staff and volunteers to mobilize voters.

This primary is crucial for shaping the Likud’s candidate list ahead of the next Knesset elections, reflecting internal party dynamics and Netanyahu’s strategic control over the slate.