Israel’s Likud party is set to conduct primary elections for its Knesset candidate list by July 28, as part of its preparations for forthcoming national elections amidst increasing political rivalry. The party’s constitution committee, led by Tourism Minister Haim Katz, unanimously approved this decision. Although the exact date is yet to be confirmed, these primaries will determine the hierarchy of candidates below the party’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, who maintains his secure position at the top of the list.
As the largest party in the Knesset with 32 seats, Likud utilizes a primary system to select the majority of its parliamentary slate. The upcoming primary contest is anticipated to attract significant attention, with party members vying for key positions on the electoral list. Reports suggest that Netanyahu aims to secure spots for several favored candidates within the top ranks, a proposal that has reportedly faced resistance from some incumbent lawmakers worried about their future standings and election prospects.
Recent informal polling among party activists has revealed considerable support for individuals like Amir Ohana and Eli Cohen. However, party officials caution that the sentiments of activists do not always accurately predict the final outcomes of the primaries. The leadership faces the challenge of considering candidates who resonate with the party’s core supporters while also appealing to moderate right-wing and undecided voters, whose backing could be crucial in a tightly contested national election.
Currently, Likud remains a dominant force in Israel’s political landscape, though it faces heightened competition from opposition coalitions led by figures such as Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Polls indicate that neither the ruling bloc nor the opposition holds a definitive parliamentary majority at present, suggesting that intricate coalition negotiations are likely following the next election.
The results of the Likud primaries are poised to significantly influence the party’s electoral approach and leadership organization as it gears up for Israel’s upcoming national vote. With the political landscape shifting, the party’s strategic decisions in these primaries are expected to be pivotal in shaping its future trajectory.
