Netanyahu Faces Internal Revolt as Key Likud Figures Plot Political Revenge
Following Benjamin Netanyahu's victory in the Likud primaries, internal tensions have escalated within the party. Despite Netanyahu shaping the candidate list to his liking, the defeat of prominent members Nir Barkat and David Bitan has sparked a backlash. Disappointed factions within Likud are reportedly planning to form a "party within a party," signaling a potential rebellion against Netanyahu's leadership.
Political analysts note that Netanyahu secured his preferred outcomes, including promoting Miri Regev as the top female candidate and excluding others like Idit Silman and May Golan. However, some candidates, such as Boaz Bismuth, were ranked lower than expected, and security-focused member Avi Dichter may be excluded entirely. The list’s current composition is seen as unattractive to some voters, with Netanyahu relying on attracting 640,000 new right-wing voters in the upcoming general election.
The next challenge lies in the allocation of reserved spots on the list, which Netanyahu controls. These "reservations" are causing fierce disputes within the party’s secretariat, with some members preparing to oppose certain appointments. The stakes are high, as even small shifts in candidate rankings could determine who secures a Knesset seat. The secretariat’s vote on these reserved spots will be conducted in person with only 48 hours’ notice, raising concerns that members with personal interests will influence the outcome.
Additionally, some Likud MKs who find themselves in precarious positions on the list may resist Netanyahu’s attempts to reshuffle candidates, especially since opposition parties like the Democrats have recently declined to use reserved spots. Netanyahu is expected to limit the number of additional reserved slots to one or two, only for candidates with clear electoral value.
Netanyahu has also indicated a willingness to involve those who did not make the list in party activities, likely to mitigate dissent. However, the risk remains that disgruntled MKs could undermine party discipline ahead of the general election. The internal conflict reflects broader struggles over the party’s direction, the influence of organized factions versus free voters, and Netanyahu’s grip on Likud’s future.
Summary: After winning the Likud primaries, Netanyahu faces internal opposition as key party figures plan a factional revolt, complicating candidate list finalization ahead of the general election.
