The candidates Netanyahu is backing in the Likud primaries

Unlike previous internal elections, where lists of recommended candidates and 'hit lists' were passed between Benjamin Netanyahu's associates and activists under the table, this time the Prime Minister has decided to express open support for candidates, both on the national list and among the district candidates, taking care to convey the message openly to all 140,000 Likud members.

It is estimated that Netanyahu believes the power of organized deals within the Likud has weakened significantly and that the vote will be decided by 'free votes.' Previously, there was a fear that officially publishing those supported by Netanyahu might put them on a blacklist of those to be 'eliminated' by his internal opponents, but according to the Prime Minister's current assessment, the situation in the Likud is different, allowing for open support.

In the elections for the national list, Netanyahu has highlighted his preferred candidates through support videos, inclusion in the Likud's media strategy team, or appointments to key positions.

Those supported by Netanyahu on the national list include: Boaz Bismuth, Amichai Chikli, Amir Ohana, Avi Dichter, and Yoav Kisch, whom the Prime Minister added to the Likud strategy group, announcing they will be at the forefront of the campaign's media prominence.

Additionally, Netanyahu appointed Avichai Buaron as head of the Likud's field headquarters, a critical position for election success. The announcement of his appointment before the primaries serves as a clear endorsement for the Knesset list.

Two candidates received a joint support video with Netanyahu: Deputy Minister Almog Cohen and Finance Committee Chairman Chanoch Milwidsky. The Prime Minister also supports Yariv Levin and Miri Regev.

Another signal of Netanyahu's support involves candidates for whom he shortened the seniority requirement to allow them to run. In addition to Almog Cohen, Netanyahu supports the candidacies of Dror Kapach, Shai Kalach, and Eli Shtivi.

In the district list, Netanyahu is providing open support to candidates whose backing has been publicized by his associates: in the Shfela, Jerusalem, and Judea and Samaria district, he supports media figure Erez Tadmor; in the Tel Aviv and Gush Dan district, attorney Shlomo Lerner; and in the Galilee and Valleys district, former Safed mayor Shuki Ohana. For the new women's slot, Ruth Kabesa Abramson enjoys Netanyahu's support.

The Prime Minister has also instructed his team to assist Ze'ev Elkin to ensure he secures a high spot in the primaries, effectively positioning him as the senior Russian-speaking figure of the Likud in the Knesset. Strong hints of support from Netanyahu's camp have also been conveyed regarding the candidacies of Moshe Saada and ministers David Amsalem and Shlomo Karhi.