Netanyahu Feared Free Members’ Influence, Avoided Digital Voting in Likud Primaries

Political analyst Amit Segal examined the turnout in the Likud party primaries and suggested that one reason the party has not adopted digital voting is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s concern over the influence of free members. Segal noted that manual voting in primaries typically yields a turnout of 50% to 55%, while digital voting can significantly increase participation, citing Democratic Party primaries with turnout rates exceeding 85%. Netanyahu reportedly feared cyberattacks on a digital voting system, including foreign interference aimed at disrupting the party list. However, after the 2022 elections, he became convinced the system could be secure.

Segal explained that higher turnout through digital voting could weaken the power of organized factions within Likud, such as those aligned with David Bitan and Haim Katz, whose influence depends on controlling vote contractors and internal deals. He speculated that Netanyahu’s main concern this time was free members, who are not part of these deals but can sway results. As an example, Segal pointed to Knesset member Tali Gottlieb, who, despite not being included in factional agreements, enjoys support among independent members.

In exchange for Katz’s protected spot on the list, Netanyahu secured candidates from his faction on the recommended list of the Israel Aerospace Industries. Segal concluded that opening the party to digital voting could have brought hundreds of thousands of new voters who prefer independence from factional deals, potentially resulting in a much stronger candidate slate than the one expected to be chosen in the current primaries.