Likud Powerbroker Yechiel Zohar Crafts Primary Deal Excluding Tali Gottlieb

On August 17, 2026, the Likud party holds its primaries amid intense internal intrigue. Yechiel Zohar, the influential mayor of Netivot who controls thousands of party members, revealed his preferred voting list, effectively shaping the primary outcome. His favored candidates include Amir Ohana, David Bitan, Dudi Amsalem, Nir Barkat, Gila Gamliel, Miki Zohar, Eli Cohen, Ofir Katz, Yariv Levin, Miri Regev, and Shlomo Karai.

Several other Knesset members and ministers such as Shalom Danino, Ze'ev Elkin, Shason Guetta, Avi Dichter, Almog Cohen, Hanokh Melibetzky, Idit Silman, Keti Shitrit, and Minister Amichai Shikli are also expected to receive some votes. Notably, Tali Gottlieb is excluded from Zohar's deal, a decision not influenced by Prime Minister Netanyahu. Meanwhile, both David Bitan, who has openly challenged Netanyahu in internal votes, and Nir Barkat, whose failed coup attempt has become a significant liability, remain included in the list.

This arrangement highlights the complex power dynamics within Likud ahead of the primaries, reflecting ongoing struggles between Netanyahu's supporters and rivals within the party. The primaries will determine the party's candidate list for upcoming elections and could reshape Likud's internal balance of power.