Netanyahu Consolidates Control Over Likud Primaries Amid Internal Party Struggles

The recent Likud primaries, held on August 19, 2026, appeared as a grand entertainment spectacle with ministers releasing AI-generated songs and performing stunts, but behind the scenes, a fierce battle unfolded over the party's future direction. Benjamin Netanyahu was deeply involved throughout the process, from attempting to cancel the primaries to influencing candidate selection and ultimately endorsing the results. Despite thousands of party members voting, the official party statement emphasized Netanyahu's satisfaction with the outcome.

Political analyst Michael Hauser-Tov explained that Netanyahu's main challenge was managing the party's image amid internal divisions. The party is split between a "Bibi faction" led ironically by Tali Gottlieb, who opposes Netanyahu on some appointments, and more moderate, establishment-aligned ministers. Netanyahu fears the party drifting toward extreme right-wing elements, such as those represented by Mai Golan and others, which could threaten Likud's status as a central ruling party.

Facing shrinking poll numbers and a right-wing bloc that has not consolidated as expected since the October 7 shift, Netanyahu focused on survival tactics rather than ideological battles. He sought to remove outspoken MKs from the list to retain voters disillusioned with the party's current style. To secure loyalty, Netanyahu tried to cancel the primaries but was blocked and then used his power to reserve eight slots plus one for Israel Katz, including surprising picks like Oren Dobronski, a tech entrepreneur and former "Shark Tank" participant.

In the days before voting, Netanyahu's camp reportedly spread rumors and leaks to discourage votes for rivals like Gottlieb, Golan, and Nir Barkat. Eli Cohen topped the national list by avoiding controversy, while figures like David Bitan and Barkat were pushed to lower positions. Netanyahu retains authority to demote candidates, and Barkat's future remains uncertain amid ongoing allegations.

The primaries concluded with 54% turnout among Likud members. Veteran ministers Amir Ohana, Yariv Levin, and Miri Regev remain at the top, and Netanyahu succeeded in limiting the influence of the party's more extreme wing in the top ten. However, the internal struggle over Likud's identity, whether it remains a center-right party or becomes a satellite of religious-nationalist factions, likely will continue beyond Netanyahu's tenure.