As the political landscape in Israel becomes increasingly competitive, the Likud party has set its sights on a primary election to determine its Knesset candidate list, to be held by July 28. This decision, unanimously approved by the party’s constitution committee, is a strategic move as Likud, the largest party in the Knesset with 32 seats, prepares for upcoming national elections. The primary will establish the ranking of candidates beneath Benjamin Netanyahu, whose leadership position at the top remains unchallenged.
The primary system is a crucial mechanism for Likud, allowing party members to select much of its parliamentary slate. This forthcoming election is anticipated to draw significant attention, with party members vying for spots that could grant them considerable influence. In the lead-up to these primaries, Netanyahu is reportedly aiming to secure positions for certain favored candidates within the upper echelons of the party list. However, this move has sparked some resistance from current lawmakers who are anxious about their standings and future roles.
Informal voting among Likud activists has shown strong backing for individuals like Amir Ohana and Eli Cohen. Nevertheless, party officials caution that the preferences of activists do not always align with the actual outcomes of the primaries. Another consideration for the Likud leadership is the appeal of candidates to a broader audience. Those who resonate with the party’s core supporters may not necessarily attract moderate right-wing and undecided voters, whose backing could be pivotal in a tightly contested national election.
Despite Likud’s firm standing as one of Israel’s leading political entities, it faces mounting challenges from opposition coalitions led by notable figures such as Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Current polling indicates that both the ruling bloc and the opposition lack a definitive parliamentary majority, suggesting that intricate coalition talks may follow the next election. The results of the Likud primaries will likely have a substantial impact on the party’s strategic approach and leadership composition as they gear up for the national vote.