Netanyahu Faces Dilemma Over Excluding Likud Minister After Primary Results

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly satisfied with the overall results of the Likud party primaries, particularly the composition of the top ten candidates, which he influenced to exclude individuals he believed could harm the party's image. Political analyst Mati Tuchfeld noted that Netanyahu's main goal was to shape the party's leadership to his preference and prevent controversial figures from gaining prominence.

However, Netanyahu faces two significant challenges following the primaries held on August 19, 2026. First, David Bitan, despite efforts to weaken him, secured a spot in the Knesset and maintains strong political deals within the party. Second, former minister Avi Dichter was pushed to an unrealistic position outside the Knesset, which Netanyahu views as a substantial loss for the party's public face.

Tuchfeld explained that Netanyahu is now considering using one of the reserved slots ("sharionim") to reinstate Dichter into a realistic position on the list. This move, however, could provoke criticism within Likud, as party members have effectively voted Dichter out. Netanyahu must weigh the political cost of overriding the primary results to save Dichter.

Additionally, Netanyahu is reportedly displeased that former minister Idit Silman failed to secure a Knesset seat. Despite his strong influence within Likud, Netanyahu respects the democratic rules of the primaries, which limits his ability to fully control the outcomes. Tuchfeld concluded that while Netanyahu can be pleased with much of the primary results, the decisions about using reserved slots to alter the list remain complex and politically sensitive.