Most Likud MKs Opposing Smotrich’s Dairy Reform Lose Realistic Knesset Spots in Primaries

Several Likud members of Knesset and ministers who signed a letter opposing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s dairy reform have found themselves placed in unrealistic positions on the party’s list following the recent primaries, likely excluding them from the next Knesset. The letter, sent in December 2025 to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, demanded removing the dairy reform from the Arrangements Law, arguing it was advanced without coordination with the Agriculture and Economy Ministries and warning it could harm local production, settlements, Israel’s Zionist character, and food security.

Signatories included Likud MKs and ministers such as Shason Guetta, Shalom Danino, Afif Abed, Avi Dichter, Hanoch Melavitzky, Eli Dalal, Nissim Vaturi, Keti Shitrit, Osher Shkalim, Tzaga Malko, Eti Chava Atiya, Avichai Boaron, and Tali Gottlieb. Of these, only Tali Gottlieb and possibly Avichai Boaron retained realistic list placements. The rest were pushed to lower, nonviable spots.

The dairy reform aimed to gradually abolish the quota system, change the "target price" mechanism, open the sector to competition, and reduce import tariffs on dairy products. Smotrich argued it would reduce market concentration and lower consumer prices, while opponents warned it would harm dairy farmers, settlements, and Israel’s ability to maintain local production in emergencies. Due to political pressure, the reform was removed from the Arrangements Law.

The primary results raise questions about whether opposition to this key government reform influenced the standing of its critics within the Likud party among its members and power centers. This development suggests a political cost for those who challenged Smotrich’s flagship initiative.