Likud Confident of Comeback Victory as Primaries Conclude, Warns Against Right-Wing Fragmentation

Michael Kleiner, president of the Likud party's internal court, expressed strong confidence that Likud will secure a major victory in the upcoming October elections. Speaking on August 17, 2026, during the party's primaries, Kleiner described a familiar election pattern where Likud starts behind but gains momentum as the campaign progresses, ultimately winning decisively. He emphasized that Likud's main task is to reassure previous voters that their support was justified, which he sees as an easier message than asking for new voters to change their minds.

Kleiner also addressed the issue of reserved slots (shriyounim) on the Likud Knesset list. He noted that a decision by 5,000 delegates at the Likud conference authorized the use of reserved slots, with party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu receiving nearly two-thirds approval for this measure. However, Kleiner clarified that these reserved slots require approval from the Likud secretariat, which can reject any candidate who does not strengthen the list. He explained that if a reserved candidate can bring in three to four additional mandates, the party has an interest in supporting them, but if the candidate is merely cosmetic, the secretariat can oppose their inclusion.

Kleiner also warned against fragmentation within the right-wing bloc, implying that unity is crucial for Likud's success. The comments came as Netanyahu cast his vote in the party primaries, signaling the party's readiness for the general election campaign.

The party's strategy focuses on consolidating its base and preventing splits that could weaken the right-wing coalition ahead of the October elections.