Israel’s Likud party is gearing up for primary elections to determine its Knesset candidate list by July 28, as the party navigates increasing political competition in preparation for future national elections. This decision, unanimously approved by the party’s constitution committee, will establish the ranking of candidates below party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, whose leadership position remains unchallenged. As the largest party in the Knesset with 32 seats, Likud’s primary system plays a crucial role in forming its parliamentary slate.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly looking to ensure top spots for several favored candidates within the party’s ranks, a move that has sparked concern among some current lawmakers worried about their standing and future prospects. Despite not having a finalized date for voting, the upcoming primaries are expected to be a focal point as members vie for influential positions.
Among those receiving strong support in informal voting by party activists are Amir Ohana and Eli Cohen. However, party officials caution that support from activists does not always translate to primary success. The leadership faces the challenge of balancing candidates popular with the party’s core base against those who may appeal more broadly to moderate right-wing and undecided voters, whose support could be pivotal in a tightly contested national election.
Current polls indicate Likud remains a formidable force in Israeli politics, yet it faces mounting challenges from opposition figures such as Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. The surveys suggest no clear parliamentary majority for either the governing bloc or the opposition, suggesting complex coalition talks could ensue following the next election.
The results of the Likud primaries are anticipated to significantly influence the party’s electoral strategy and leadership dynamics as it prepares for Israel’s next national vote. The outcome could shape how the party positions itself and its candidates to maintain its dominance in an evolving political landscape.