150,000 voters, 15 seats: The battle in Likud begins | The complete primary guide

The battle for survival in Likud begins: the ruling party prepares this morning (Monday) for one of the most tense days in its history. From 10:00 AM until the polls close at 9:00 PM, dozens of polling stations will open from Eilat to Kiryat Shmona, as almost 150,000 Likud members will go out to vote in the primaries and determine the face of the party's list for the next Knesset.

After months of conventions, text messages, and aggressive campaigns, the MKs and ministers enter the final stretch of a process that many in the political system have already called a "bloodbath" - alongside those who define it as a democratic celebration. Due to a series of reserved spots that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured, only about 15 realistic spots remain for the approximately 40 serving MKs and ministers, which brings the tension to a peak.

During the day, the candidates will visit the large polling stations: some to ensure with the architects of the deals that their position is guaranteed, and others to try and recruit votes from the free voters in an attempt to bypass the deal mechanisms.

Behind-the-scenes struggle

The current elections may reflect a change in the members' position towards the old system - an example of this is MK Tali Gottlieb, who is not part of any deals but is predicted to have a spot in the top ten according to the polls, alongside Minister Miri Regev, who is fighting behind the scenes for every vote against the central vote-recruiters to maintain her status. Each member will be required to choose 12 candidates on the list, and the initial results of the vote are expected to be published later today (Monday).

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So what is the stormy day expected to look like?

1. The polls will open at 10:00 AM

2. The polls will close at 9:00 PM

3. Dozens of polling stations will open across the country - from Eilat to Kiryat Shmona

4. About 150,000 Likud members will be given the right to vote

5. Each member will be required to choose 12 candidates on the form

6. About 40 ministers and MKs are incumbent candidates in the primaries

7. 15 spots on the list remain realistic

8. 8 reserved spots on the list were approved for PM Netanyahu

9. Initial primary results will be revealed already this evening (Monday)