Netanyahu's Circle Plans to Purge Non-Supportive Ultra-Orthodox Members from Likud After Primaries

Following the recent Likud primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associates intend to remove ultra-Orthodox members who do not genuinely support the party. This move, reported on Monday by Kan News, echoes previous campaigns targeting "new Likudniks" during past primaries. The decision came after cooperation between the ultra-Orthodox faction leader within Likud and Knesset member David Bitan during the primaries, despite Netanyahu's prior silent allowance of these actions.

The plan involves identifying groups of party members who have shown support for other political parties or disqualifying entire factions on the grounds that they are not true Likud voters. Several candidates backed by these ultra-Orthodox members, as well as certain ministers and Knesset members, have raised concerns among contenders and voters. Key ultra-Orthodox members influence many party voters and operate extensive transportation networks to polling stations, contributing significantly to election day turnout.

Notably, Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen was listed by the Gur Hasidic group due to his support for facilitating pilgrimages to Uman during Rosh Hashanah. Finance Committee Chair Hanoch Milwiczky appeared on several ultra-Orthodox lists because of his committee role and public backing of the community. Justice Minister Yariv Levin was also noted for receiving ultra-Orthodox support linked to the judicial reform and criticism of the judiciary. The primaries reveal Netanyahu's reluctance to have a party dominated by staunch loyalists, as he battles to regain lost mandates.