Netanyahu Faces Dilemma Over Excluding Likud Minister After Primary Results
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Netanyahu is pleased with the Likud primary results but faces a dilemma over reinstating excluded minister Avi Dichter using reserved slots, risking internal criticism. David Bitan survived efforts to weaken him, and Netanyahu is unhappy that Idit Silman did not secure a seat. The situation highlights Netanyahu's limited control despite his influence.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu is satisfied with the Likud primary top ten but faces key challenges.
- David Bitan secured a Knesset seat despite attempts to weaken him.
- Avi Dichter was pushed out, causing Netanyahu to consider using reserved slots to reinstate him.
- Using reserved slots for Dichter may provoke criticism within Likud.
- Netanyahu is displeased that Idit Silman failed to enter the Knesset.
- Netanyahu respects democratic rules despite his strong influence in the party.
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.
