Thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Voters Influence Likud Primaries Amid Netanyahu's List Battle

Ahead of the 2026 elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is engaged in a fierce struggle to shape the Likud party's candidate list, amid growing concern over potential loss of seats. A significant development in the primaries is the influx of thousands of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) voters who have registered to vote within Likud, aiming to influence internal party decisions on issues such as the military draft law and religion-state relations.

In a special broadcast from the Kikar HaShabbat studio, moderated by Yishai Cohen and featuring panelists including Avi Mimran, Yaakov Wider (head of Likud's Haredi headquarters), Rabbi Avraham Weber (a member of the election committee and Dati Leumi representative), and Yossi Ben Ater (Sarugim commentator), the discussion focused on Netanyahu's aggressive efforts to control the party list. The panel debated the demand for eight reserved spots on the list and the Prime Minister's apparent distrust of the grassroots membership's choices, fearing that a list determined solely by base voters could lead to electoral defeat.

The panel also addressed internal party tensions, including pressure against MK Tali Gottlieb's candidacy, with some in Netanyahu's circle warning her inclusion could cost Likud two seats, though Gottlieb denies this and Netanyahu's office remains silent. Another point of contention is the reported attempt by Minister Nir Barkat to orchestrate a coup against Netanyahu following the Hamas surprise attack.

The second half of the broadcast examined the ultra-Orthodox turnout in the primaries, questioning whether their participation is a strategic move to gain influence within Likud or merely a tactical vote, with their general election votes likely going to Haredi parties. The panel discussed whether this internal influence is an effective way to advance legislation like the military draft law, which previously failed partly due to opposition from Likud MKs such as Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz.

Finally, the discussion turned to the post-election political scenario, considering whether Netanyahu might again form a broad coalition government excluding Haredi parties, as he did in 2013 with the "Brotherhood Alliance" of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.