Israel’s Likud party has set a deadline of July 28 to organize primary elections for its Knesset candidate list, a preparatory move for upcoming national elections amid rising political rivalry. The party’s constitution committee, led by Tourism Minister Haim Katz, unanimously approved the decision. Although the exact voting date is yet to be confirmed, the primaries will rank candidates beneath the party leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, whose leadership position is assured.
As the largest party in the Knesset with 32 seats, Likud employs a primary system to determine much of its parliamentary lineup. The forthcoming elections are expected to draw significant attention as members vie for influential slots on the list. Reports suggest Netanyahu intends to secure top positions for several favored candidates, a move that has stirred opposition among current lawmakers worried about their own standings and election prospects.
Recent informal votes among party activists have shown substantial support for figures like Amir Ohana and Eli Cohen. However, party officials caution that activist preferences may not necessarily reflect the final primary outcomes. Meanwhile, the leadership is balancing concerns that while some candidates may appeal to the party’s core supporters, they might not attract moderate right-wing and undecided voters, whose backing could be crucial in a tightly contested national election.
Despite Likud’s standing as one of Israel’s most powerful political entities, current polls indicate increased competition from opposition fronts led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Survey results show that both the governing coalition and the opposition currently lack a clear parliamentary majority, suggesting that intricate coalition talks could follow the next election.
The results of the Likud primaries are anticipated to significantly influence the party’s electoral approach and leadership hierarchy as Israel prepares for its next national election. The outcome will likely shape the party’s strategy in navigating the complex landscape of Israeli politics and securing its position amid intensifying competition.
