Netanyahu Allies Face Risk of Being Ousted from Likud Knesset List Amid Primary Deals

Ahead of the Likud party primaries, close associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are at risk of being pushed out of the party's Knesset candidate list. Concerns have risen within Netanyahu's office due to deals made between various party factions and activists, which may disadvantage loyal members. Notably, MKs Boaz Bismuth and Amichai Shikli, both considered staunch Netanyahu supporters, are reportedly being removed from key support lists circulated by influential party groups such as those led by Ronen Plot and Yechiel Zohar.

Netanyahu is currently engaged in urgent discussions to reinstate Bismuth and Shikli into central support lists amid fears that the primaries could cause significant upheaval within the Likud slate. The competition is particularly intense this cycle, with some list spots reserved, new candidates attempting to break through, and many contenders vying for a limited number of realistic positions. This environment means that even established names and long-standing party members are not guaranteed a seat in the next Knesset.

The primary voting is underway, with preliminary results expected around 11 PM on Monday night. A clearer picture of the final list should emerge by Tuesday morning, with official results to be announced later that day. The ongoing tension reflects a broader struggle within Likud as veteran ministers and MKs fight to secure their political futures in the upcoming 2026 elections.