Likud Primaries Confirm Netanyahu-Aligned List, Disappointing Right-Wing and Satellite Parties

The recent Likud primaries resulted in a candidate list largely favorable to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with strong and well-known figures securing realistic positions. Controversial or problematic candidates were pushed down or excluded entirely. For example, Tali Gottlieb was placed near the end of the second ten, while Hanoch Milwetsky, who faces a criminal cloud, was removed from the list. Other outspoken or sycophantic figures such as Nissim Vaturi, Idit Silman, and Mai Golan were also excluded.

The majority of the list consists of active Knesset members deeply involved in parliamentary and governmental work, including Cohen, Levin, Kraei, Shikli, Saada, Ofir Katz, and Bismuth. Almog Cohen, who recently joined Likud, also secured votes from supporters of his move. The final results highlight the biggest losers as not only the Knesset members who were ousted but also the satellite parties on the right and left of Likud.

Gilad Erdan, who hoped for a loud, anti-establishment list, will be disappointed as the list represents the mainstream Likud voice. Smotrich from the right will notice that many MKs opposing the judicial reform, like Sasson Guetta and Avi Dichter, were removed. Trooper will see that the Likud list is right-wing and action-oriented. Ironically, the "Unity" party recently released a negative video mocking how far Likud has shifted from its Begin-era roots, focusing on Silman, Milwetsky, and Gottlieb, one sidelined and two removed.

These three parties had hoped for a less attractive top ten in Likud to attract voters away, but now they must reconsider their strategies.