Netanyahu Faces Internal Challenges in Likud Primaries Amid Calls for Unity Government

The Likud party is currently holding primaries that reveal deep internal divisions and strategic maneuvering ahead of the 2026 elections. According to political analysts and reporters from Channel 12 News, the primaries are less about national security or economic issues and more about personal and factional battles within the party. Key concerns among Likud members include the loyalty of candidates to Netanyahu, their legal backgrounds, and their stance on recent political controversies, such as the break-in at the Beit Lid camp.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly facing two internal 'hit lists' aimed at sidelining rivals within the party. Aware that forming a new government alone after the elections is unlikely, Netanyahu is seeking to include more moderate figures in his list to appeal to centrist and center-left voters for a potential unity government. He aims to marginalize hardliners like Tali Gottlieb, who could demand ministerial positions and challenge his leadership. Netanyahu also wants to prevent any emerging alternative leaders within Likud who might support a minority government led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

Historically, Likud primaries have seen voter turnout between 50 and 58 percent, but digital voting systems used by other parties have achieved much higher participation. Netanyahu initially feared cyberattacks but has since grown confident in the process. However, the current challenge lies with independent voters who do not align with party deals and support candidates like Gottlieb. Meanwhile, Netanyahu secured backing for his allies through political deals, such as with former minister Haim Katz.

A notable development during the primaries is the significant turnout of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) voters, estimated between 7,000 and 10,000, mostly from Hasidic communities. Although these voters typically support Shas, United Torah Judaism, or Itamar Ben-Gvir in general elections, they participate in Likud primaries to influence the party's candidate list. Their goal is to penalize Likud MKs who opposed religious policies, such as the draft law, by supporting candidates aligned with their interests. This influence highlights flaws in the primary system, as non-Likud voters can sway the party's internal elections.

The situation underscores the complex dynamics within Likud as it prepares for the 2026 elections, with Netanyahu balancing internal factional pressures, the need for broader appeal, and the challenge of maintaining control over the party's future direction.