Likud internal primaries begin as tensions continue over Netanyahu's expanded slate controls
The primaries come amid fierce internal tensions over changes that have expanded Netanyahu’s control over the party’s Knesset slate, which have made the primaries more competitive than in past years.
The Likud Party commenced its primaries on Monday, with registered members able to vote for candidates at polling stations across the country to determine the party's Knesset slate for upcoming elections. The primaries have become more competitive due to alterations that have expanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's control over the party, which could affect the outcomes for candidates.
Polling opened at 10 a.m. and will continue until 9 p.m., with results expected later in the evening. Over 100 candidates are vying for slots on the list, many of them campaigning alongside Netanyahu. Party officials stated that Netanyahu would participate in the voting, emphasizing trust in Likud members to select representatives wisely without interference.
Netanyahu had recently pushed for changes to the system, resulting in fewer slots available for the primaries. This shift has sparked internal tensions within the party, with some members supportive and others strongly opposing the expanded control. Netanyahu was given authority to determine eight slots within the first 30 spots on the party list following a vote by the Likud Central Committee.
Critics argue that the changes may disadvantage candidates with high primary scores, while supporters believe it will strengthen the party's position in the upcoming elections. The Likud primaries are particularly competitive as the party currently holds around 40 ministerial positions, but recent polls project a win of only about 22 seats, leaving many at risk of losing their spots on the Knesset list.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
