Netanyahu Secures Key Wins but Faces Setbacks in Likud Primaries

The Likud primaries, held overnight, proved to be one of the most challenging political battles for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to intense internal interference from his office and numerous political deals reshaping candidate rankings. Netanyahu managed to push back rival Tali Gottlieb through hard work, securing victories for his candidates in several districts, mostly in less competitive areas. However, he also faced significant defeats in some contests.

Dovid Bitan, Netanyahu's main opposition within the party, surprisingly secured a realistic spot in the Knesset despite efforts to politically sideline him. Bitan's team was initially pessimistic, believing his political career was over, but he outperformed many ministers and Knesset members favored by Netanyahu, though he finished behind Shlomo Karhi and Boaz Bismuth. Bitan also achieved a major victory when his candidate for the "new woman" slot, Keren Bublil Atias, defeated Netanyahu's supported candidate, Osnat Zohar Zani, by about 2,000 votes.

Minister Nir Barkat, another target of Netanyahu's attempts to push him down, secured the 24th spot, likely the last realistic position for election. Netanyahu also succeeded in winning three district races with candidates Shuki Ohana, Shlomo Lerner, and Erez Tadmor, against expectations.

Criticism of Netanyahu centered on his aggressive interference, which alienated senior loyal ministers and suppressed voter turnout by refusing to extend voting hours, a move seen as harsh against unaffiliated party members. This decision allowed political deals to solidify before polls closed at 9 p.m., weakening independent voters.

Despite Netanyahu's achievements, several senior ministers barely secured their seats, creating potential challenges for him post-election. Minister Miri Regev remained the top-ranking woman in Likud, benefiting from votes aimed at blocking Gottlieb's rise, who fell outside the top ten. Minister Yariv Levin also maintained a high ranking despite early difficulties. A fierce contest for the "third woman" spot saw Gila Gamliel defeat Eti Atiya, supported by Haim Katz and protected by Netanyahu, who was left out.

More outspoken and media-savvy candidates like Almog Cohen and Moshe Saada achieved better results than quieter factions led by Ariel Kallner and Avichai Boaron, who were pushed far down the list. Netanyahu recently appointed Boaron as field operations manager and was supported by Kallner in advancing a political investigation bill related to the events of October 7.

The primaries' results highlight Netanyahu's mixed fortunes within Likud, with victories tempered by internal dissent and the survival of key rivals, setting the stage for a complex political landscape ahead of the general elections.