Over 32,000 Vote as Likud Primaries Heat Up Amid Internal Tensions

The Likud party primaries are underway with over 32,000 members having voted so far, representing about 22.5% of the 140,000 eligible voters. Despite some regional variations, including 23.7% turnout in Tel Aviv and lower participation in Jerusalem, the overall turnout remains disappointing for party officials.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office is reportedly concerned about internal deals that could push out his loyalists, such as Boaz Bismuth and Amichai Shikli, from the Knesset list. A notable contest is unfolding among female candidates, with Netanyahu encouraging support for ministers Miri Regev and Idit Silman to secure their positions over MK Tali Gottlieb. Netanyahu holds the authority to assign eight reserved spots on the list, aiming to balance representation.

Tali Gottlieb has raised allegations of forged ballots missing her name at some polling stations, urging voters to remain vigilant. Additionally, controversy surrounds Gottlieb due to reports of her contacts with Itamar Ben-Gvir's party, which Netanyahu found troubling but chose not to intervene in the primaries. Support for Gottlieb unexpectedly came from Ronen Manlis, advisor to MK Gadi Eizenkot.

In a surprise move, Yehonatan Yosef, grandson of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and former Jerusalem city council member, withdrew from the Jerusalem district race, endorsing lawyer Yair Gabay instead. As voting continues, candidates are intensifying efforts to secure votes through personal appeals and social media.

The primaries will determine the final Likud list for the 2026 elections, with fierce competition for approximately 15 realistic spots out of 124 candidates. The outcome will reveal whether Netanyahu's list undergoes the significant reshuffle feared by some senior party members and ministers.