Netanyahu Pushes Preferred Candidates Ahead of Likud Primaries Tomorrow

Ahead of the Likud party primaries scheduled for tomorrow, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been actively engaging with party members since this morning, conducting a series of phone and in-person conversations. His goal is to influence the composition of the Likud list according to his preferences. Netanyahu has communicated directly with activists and registered members, advising them on which candidates to support. He repeatedly emphasized five specific candidates he wants included on the list, though in some discussions he mentioned additional names. Due to the proximity of the primaries, the exact names Netanyahu endorses have not been publicly disclosed.

Last week, it was reported that two Likud Knesset members are considering withdrawing from the primaries in protest. Their dissatisfaction stems from Netanyahu granting reserved slots on the list to ministers Israel Katz, Haim Katz, and Gideon Sa'ar. This move has sparked internal party frustration, as it complicates the chances for other Knesset members to secure realistic positions on the list. Netanyahu's decision to reserve these slots for the ministers has been a significant point of contention within the party ranks.