Netanyahu Faces Internal Challenges in Likud Primaries Amid Calls to Exclude Hardliners

The ongoing Likud primaries reveal deep internal divisions within Israel's ruling party, with significant tensions over candidate selections and the party's future direction. Analysts note that the primaries are less about national security or economic issues and more about personal and factional battles, particularly concerning support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is reportedly trying to sideline hardline members like Tali Gottlieb, who could complicate his efforts to form a broad coalition government after the elections. He fears that such figures might demand ministerial positions or challenge his leadership, especially if a unity government is formed.

Netanyahu also aims to prevent the rise of alternative leaders within Likud who might support a minority government led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, which Netanyahu views as a critical threat. Voter turnout in the primaries, conducted manually, is estimated between 50-58%, lower than digital voting rates seen in other parties. Netanyahu had concerns about cyberattacks but was reassured after the 2022 elections. However, this time, free voters, including many ultra-Orthodox Likud members, have influenced the results significantly.

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox voters, mainly from Hasidic communities, participated in the primaries despite typically voting for Shas, United Torah Judaism, or Otzma Yehudit in general elections. Their goal is to penalize Likud MKs they believe undermined religious interests, particularly regarding the military draft law. This group’s influence highlights flaws in the primary system, as non-traditional Likud voters can sway candidate selection and pressure MKs.

The situation underscores Netanyahu’s precarious position within his party and the complex dynamics shaping the upcoming 2026 elections. The primaries reflect broader struggles over the party’s identity and strategy, with Netanyahu seeking to consolidate a more moderate list to facilitate coalition-building while contending with internal opposition and external pressures.