Netanyahu Intensifies Battle Against Bittan Faction in Likud Primaries, Endorses Osnat Zohar

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is escalating his involvement in the Likud party primaries, openly endorsing Osnat Zohar for the "new woman" slot on the party list. This endorsement follows intense pressure from the Likud base amid a broader internal power struggle over the party's candidate lineup for the upcoming Knesset elections.

Political commentator Yinon Magal revealed that Netanyahu was torn between supporting Zohar, a consistent backer, and Ruth Kabessa. However, Netanyahu is particularly concerned about the potential election of Keren Atias Bublil, aligned with MK David Bitan, to a key position. Magal described the contest as a significant battle between the party's traditional power brokers and Netanyahu's faction, reflecting a wider fight over control within Likud.

Netanyahu has also marked preferred candidates in various districts, recommending Erez Tadmor, Shlomo Lerner, and Shuki Ohana, while his close associates support Amit Halevi, Idit Silman, Almog Cohen, Avichai Boaron, and Ariel Klenner. The Prime Minister reportedly wants MK Miri Regev to be the top woman on the list but is wary of MK Tali Gottlieb's growing popularity in the primaries. Over 14,000 party members have voted so far, with Netanyahu's office concerned about potential deal-making influencing results.