Israel’s Likud party is gearing up for its primary elections to determine the Knesset candidate list, with the event set to take place by July 28. This decision, confirmed by Tourism Minister Haim Katz, who chairs the party’s constitution committee, signifies the party’s preparation for forthcoming national elections amid intensifying political competition. Although the exact date has not been finalized, these primaries will establish the ranking of candidates below the party leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, whose top position is secure.
Currently, the largest faction in the Knesset with 32 seats, Likud employs a primary system to select most of its parliamentary candidates. The upcoming elections are anticipated to draw significant attention as members vie for influential spots on the list. Reports indicate Netanyahu intends to reserve top slate positions for certain preferred candidates, a move that has sparked concern among some sitting lawmakers about their future roles and electoral prospects.
Recent informal votes among party activists have shown strong backing for figures like Amir Ohana and Eli Cohen. However, party officials caution that activist preferences do not always align with the ultimate outcomes of primaries. There are also ongoing discussions within the leadership about the potential challenges posed by candidates who are popular among the party’s core base but may not appeal to moderate right-wing and undecided voters, whose support could be pivotal in a closely contested national election.
Despite current polling indicating that Likud remains one of Israel’s most formidable political entities, it faces mounting competition from opposition coalitions led by prominent figures such as Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Surveys suggest neither the ruling bloc nor the opposition holds a definitive parliamentary majority, which could lead to intricate coalition negotiations following the next national election.
The results of the Likud primaries are poised to significantly influence the party’s electoral strategy and leadership configuration as Israel approaches its next national vote, a development closely watched by political observers and party members alike.