In the Shadow of Unrest: Netanyahu's Unusual Offers to Likud MKs

In an attempt to calm internal unrest and consolidate ranks ahead of the primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been meeting with several Likud Knesset members in recent days, including Shalom Danino and Eliyahu Revivo, with more meetings planned for the coming days.

As part of these discussions, Netanyahu is exploring the possibility of offering Knesset members various positions, including ambassadorial roles, to ensure they do not run in the upcoming primaries. Such a move could reduce the number of candidates and free up space on the list for other members who fear they will be pushed to unrealistic spots. Likud has declined to comment on these reports.

In reality, this concerns 19 incumbent Knesset members or ministers who are unlikely to secure a spot within the top thirty of the Likud list. Their only consolation is that if Likud remains in power after the elections, those appointed as ministers could resign from the Knesset under the Norwegian Law, vacating spots for additional candidates from the national list to enter at the 32nd, 33rd, 35th, 38th, 39th, and 40th positions. This still leaves approximately 13 Knesset members or ministers out of the running, even if Likud stays in power.

It is clear why candidates are under such intense pressure ahead of next week's primaries. The immense competition created by the system approved at the convention, combined with numerous reserved spots, is sparking significant criticism within Likud and deep frustration among those willing to do almost anything to secure the few remaining realistic spots.