Likud's Eliyahu Revivo Withdraws from Primaries Citing Reserved Slots Barrier

Eliyahu Revivo, the Likud party's Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, announced on August 13, 2026, that he will not run in the upcoming Likud primaries scheduled for next week. Revivo criticized the party's reserved slot system, saying it makes it very difficult to secure a realistic position on the list. He emphasized that politics has never been an end for him but a means to serve, affirming his continued loyalty to Likud despite ending his parliamentary career.

Earlier this week, reports revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle offered Revivo the position of Israeli ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, replacing the current ambassador Yossi Shelly, in exchange for his withdrawal from the Likud list. Revivo declined to run, stating his belief in being right-wing, ideological, and determined while also being moderate and pragmatic, which he described as the true path of Likud.

In his resignation statement, Revivo called for responsible leadership and urged the formation of a broad government, highlighting Israel's need for strong and accountable governance. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the national cause and his identity as a loyal Likud member.