Likud Primary Fight Raises Possibility of a New Candidate List

Likud is in turmoil over whether to cancel its primaries and instead let a special committee determine the party’s list for the next Knesset. The idea, which party sources say began as part of negotiations over the number of reserved slots sought by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has gained momentum since the weekend. One source who attended Netanyahu’s meeting with Likud mayors said, “Right now Netanyahu thinks it is 50:50.”

Behind what appears to be a technical debate is a major power struggle. Party insiders say a committee could be used to assemble an entirely new slate, potentially pushing as many as eight sitting MKs off the current list. One source described them as “those who are embarrassing us.” Some MKs actually prefer scrapping primaries, saying a members’ vote is risky, while a committee would largely preserve the current balance of power. “In primaries, half the faction could end up out. In a committee, most people stay,” the source said.

To soften opposition, Likud is also considering avoiding the term “arranging committee” and using the gentler label “advisory committee.” Netanyahu is said to be working cautiously to secure understandings with key power brokers, including ministers Haim Katz and Israel Katz, MK David Bitan and Minister Miki Zohar. The expectation is that if their standing and allies are protected, resistance will be limited.

If primaries are held after all, changes to the rules are also being discussed. One proposal promoted by Haim Katz would allow female MKs who are not ministers to run in district slots. That could help MK Eti Attiya, who is close to Katz and seen as unlikely to win through the national list. Minister Idit Silman is closely following the issue and is considering resigning from the government so she can run in the Shfela district, but only if primaries take place alongside Katz’s proposed rule change. Her current status under the Norwegian law means she is not now serving as an MK. Likud is expected to decide within days whether to proceed with primaries or move to an alternative method for choosing the next list. Silman said she will remain in office and “run as usual in the primaries,” while Katz’s office denied the claim outright.