Likud Faces Internal Rift as MK Eliyahu Revivo Quits Primaries Citing Netanyahu's Selection System

MK Eliyahu Revivo announced his withdrawal from the Likud primaries, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's candidate selection and reserved slots system as obstacles to securing a realistic spot on the list. Although this is Revivo's first Knesset term, he is closely linked to the party through his brother, Yair Revivo, the influential mayor of Lod and a key Netanyahu ally who has played a major role in connecting Netanyahu with peripheral and Mizrahi communities.

Eliyahu Revivo's departure highlights deeper tensions within Likud, especially involving MK Tali Gottlieb, against whom Revivo publicly campaigned, warning that her high placement would guarantee electoral defeat. The conflict escalated following a notable confrontation in the Knesset plenary, which drew significant media attention. Likud insiders view Revivo's exit as a sign of growing factionalism and a shift away from moderation and statesmanship within the party.

Netanyahu has reportedly been aware of Revivo's frustrations for over a week and attempted to contact him without success. Following Revivo's announcement, a meeting was arranged where Netanyahu aims to soften the fallout and offer Revivo a public role. There is concern within Likud about potential defections to Gilad Erdan's faction, which Netanyahu sees as a continuing threat if Erdan capitalizes on the party's internal divisions.

Currently, Netanyahu is focusing on meetings with lower-ranked Likud members, many unlikely to secure Knesset seats, offering them assurances. However, dissatisfaction remains high among these members. The party's post-election cohesion and Netanyahu's standing depend heavily on public reaction to Likud's direction and whether Netanyahu can halt the party's slide amid rising internal extremism. Failure to do so could deepen the challenges Netanyahu faces within his own party.