Israel's governing Likud Party is holding critical primaries to finalize its candidate list for the upcoming general elections. The process highlights the internal power dynamics of Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership amidst ongoing regional conflicts.
- Likud Party is finalizing its candidate list for the Knesset via internal primaries.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retains significant control through reserved seats and strategic deals.
- Hardline figures like Israel Katz and Gideon Saar are securing top positions, signaling a rightward shift in policy.
The Likud Party, Israel's dominant right-wing political force, has commenced its primary elections to determine the order of candidates for the upcoming general elections. In the Israeli system of proportional representation, the sequence of names on the party list is paramount, as it directly determines who secures a seat in the 120-member Knesset based on the party's overall percentage of the vote.
Historically, the Likud Party has been the engine of Israel's shift toward the right. Since Menachem Begin broke the Labor-left monopoly in 1977, Likud has led the nation through pivotal military campaigns, including the 1982 invasion of Lebanon and the current intense operations in Gaza. The party has consistently challenged international law regarding settlements in the West Bank and has actively dismantled the two-state solution framework established in the 1990s.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that these primaries are not merely about candidate selection, but about consolidating Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power. By utilizing reserved slots—eight for himself as leader and three via strategic deals—Netanyahu ensures that the most loyal and hardline elements of his coalition remain insulated from the volatility of member voting. This creates a party structure that is increasingly resistant to moderate influence.
The Likud primaries serve as a barometer for the Israeli right's appetite for escalation; the rise of uncompromising figures suggests a long-term commitment to settlement expansion.
The internal dynamics are further complicated by 'deals' struck with key allies. Gideon Saar, whose New Hope party merged with Likud in 2025, and Defence Minister Israel Katz are granted uncontested spots. Katz, known as one of the most hardline ministers, has advocated for severe restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and the establishment of new settlements within the enclave, reflecting the party's uncompromising stance on security and territorial expansion.
Another significant figure, Haim Katz, also benefits from a special arrangement. Like Netanyahu, Haim Katz faces corruption charges, yet remains a stalwart supporter of the current military trajectory. The inclusion of such figures ensures that the Likud list remains aligned with Netanyahu's personal and political survival strategies.
| Candidate | Key Position/Role | Stance on Gaza/West Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Israel Katz | Defence Minister | Hardline; supports new settlements in Gaza |
| Gideon Saar | Foreign Minister | Supports restrictions on humanitarian aid |
| Haim Katz | Constitution Committee Chair | Strong supporter of settlement expansion |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Likud party list affect the general election?
The list determines the priority of candidates; the higher a person is on the list, the more likely they are to enter the Knesset if the party wins a significant share of the vote.
What role does Benjamin Netanyahu play in the primaries?
Netanyahu controls several reserved seats and can nominate specific candidates, allowing him to shape the party's ideological direction regardless of the general membership's vote.
