Likud MKs Draw Red Line Against Replacing Right-Wing Coalition Partners After Primaries

Following the recent Likud primaries, several Members of Knesset elected to realistic positions on the party list have sent a clear message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's team. They oppose any move to exclude one of the current right-wing coalition parties in favor of an opposition party. This stance arises amid concerns voiced by Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit, who feared the primaries' results and the new campaign slogan "broad national government" might signal a shift toward a unity government including left-wing parties.

Netanyahu's associates have denied any intention to remove existing coalition partners, emphasizing that if a right-wing majority is achievable, they will maintain all current coalition parties. The controversy was sparked by suspicions that Netanyahu sought to push MK Tali Gottlieb out of the top ten and Minister May Golan off the list entirely to facilitate a unity government without Otzma Yehudit. However, these claims were refuted by the Prime Minister's circle.

After the primaries, the elected Likud MKs began assessing internal party dynamics, including support for judicial reforms, settlement policies, opposition to territorial concessions, and loyalty to Netanyahu. While the top ten are firmly right-wing and prefer a right-wing government, some MKs further down the list, despite their support for Netanyahu, may resist moves perceived as leftward shifts.

Ben-Gvir has been vocal in warning that those favoring a right-wing government must ensure Netanyahu remains prime minister and that the government excludes left-wing parties. Likud's campaign slogan change from "full right-wing government" to "broad national government" has raised questions among MKs, who have sought clarifications from Netanyahu's team. The Likud leadership insists there will be no concessions regarding coalition composition if a right-wing majority is secured.

The Likud headquarters now faces the challenge of addressing these concerns to prevent voter defections to Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit ahead of the upcoming elections.