Likud Weighs Scrapping Primaries as Netanyahu Seeks Control Over Knesset List

Likud is holding internal talks in recent days about canceling its primaries before the next election and instead giving a special committee the power to draw up the party’s Knesset list. Party sources say the idea emerged alongside negotiations over how many reserved slots, or guaranteed placements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants, and senior Likud figures are increasingly backing it.

One participant in Netanyahu’s meeting with Likud-affiliated mayors said the prime minister currently sees the chances of the move as “50:50.” Party insiders believe that if the plan is approved, the list could be reshaped significantly, with as many as eight sitting Knesset members potentially pushed off the slate. The party is also considering softening the name of the body, from a “settlement committee” to a more moderate-sounding “advisory committee,” while the central question remains whether ordinary members or senior leaders will choose the list.

According to Likud sources, Netanyahu is trying to reach understandings with key power centers in the party, including ministers Chaim Katz and Israel Katz, MK David Bitan and minister Miki Zohar. The assessment is that if their positions and allies are protected, opposition to the move will be limited.

At the same time, Likud is examining rule changes even if primaries are ultimately held. One proposal would let incumbent female MKs who are not ministers compete in regional slots, a change that could help MK Eti Atiya, who is considered close to Chaim Katz. Minister Idit Silman is also following the developments; because she is currently not a sitting MK under the Norwegian law, she reportedly considered resigning from the government to run in the Shfela district if the changes are adopted. Silman said she will remain in office and “run as usual in the primaries.” Chaim Katz’s office denied the report, saying, “There is no truth to the claim. Absolutely not.” Likud expects a decision in the coming days on whether to hold primaries as planned or switch to another method for choosing the next election slate.