Israel’s Likud party is set to conduct primary elections for its Knesset candidate list by July 28, a strategic move as it gears up for potential national elections amid increasing political rivalry. This decision, unanimously endorsed by the party’s constitution committee chaired by Tourism Minister Haim Katz, is essential in determining the ranking of candidates beneath the party leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, whose leadership position remains uncontested. Although the exact date for the primaries has yet to be finalized, the competition is expected to be intense as members vie for key positions on the electoral slate.
Currently the largest party in the Knesset with 32 seats, Likud employs a primary system to determine its parliamentary candidates. The upcoming elections have sparked intrigue, especially with reports that Netanyahu aims to secure spots for favored candidates within the party’s top ranks. This has stirred some unrest among current lawmakers, who are apprehensive about their future roles and electoral viability.
Recent informal polls among party activists have shown significant support for figures like Amir Ohana and Eli Cohen, although party officials caution that activist preferences do not always predict the final outcome of the primaries. Meanwhile, the leadership is mindful of the need to balance candidates who appeal to the party’s core supporters with those who might attract moderate right-wing and undecided voters, groups whose backing could be pivotal in a tightly contested national election.
Despite Likud’s strong standing in current polls as one of Israel’s leading political entities, the party faces mounting competition from opposition coalitions led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Surveys suggest that neither the ruling bloc nor the opposition holds a definitive parliamentary majority at present, hinting at a likely scenario of intricate coalition talks post-election.
The forthcoming Likud primaries are poised to significantly influence the party’s electoral tactics and leadership dynamics as Israel approaches its next national election. The results will be crucial in shaping how Likud positions itself in the face of evolving political landscapes and competitive pressures.