Netanyahu Ally Criticizes Likely Losses for Likud MPs in Controversial Primary Rule Change

A close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized Likud party members following a contentious vote on a disputed primary election clause. The clause allows incumbent Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers to run in reserved districts, a move that narrowly passed due to the efforts of party chairman and minister Haim Katz. Despite Katz's success, the Netanyahu associate expressed doubt that this "golden parachute" will secure seats for all incumbents, specifically mentioning that MK Eti Atiya, for whom the clause was created, may still fail to enter the Knesset.

The source, who is also a senior Likud figure, warned that many incumbents planning to run in these districts could lose to new candidates, emphasizing that the party base remains strong and unpredictable. This internal conflict highlights tensions within Likud ahead of the upcoming primaries.

MK David Bitan led opposition to the clause, accusing Katz of pushing the initiative without Netanyahu’s full backing. Bitan argued the move would harm new candidates and weaken the party list, questioning why protected slots were needed if Netanyahu was the top vote-getter. He further accused Katz and Netanyahu of creating a faction within Likud through political maneuvering, which he said damages the party.

Bitan also criticized the behavior of ministers and MKs, claiming they fear opposing Netanyahu due to his power to appoint and dismiss ministers post-election. He suggested some members avoid taking a stand out of fear of retaliation from Netanyahu loyalists. Despite this, Bitan noted the primary vote is secret, allowing party members to vote freely.

This internal Likud dispute over primary rules and candidate protections reveals ongoing struggles over party control and candidate selection as Netanyahu prepares for his trip to Washington.