Storm in Likud ahead of the decision on the primaries: "It is clear that Netanyahu is preparing for cancellation"
The party estimates that even if the central committee members approve Netanyahu's request for eight reserved spots this morning, the chances of the primaries actually taking place are low. Within Likud, it is claimed that this is a false presentation and that the driving force behind the push for a nominating committee is Minister Haim Katz.
A dramatic morning in Likud. The movement's central committee members will decide this morning, Monday, whether to approve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal regarding a renewed primary format, under which Netanyahu would receive eight realistic spots on the list.
According to the plan, Netanyahu will receive spots 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 29. One of these is guaranteed to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar as part of the unification agreement between the New Hope faction and Likud.
It is expected that Netanyahu may use an additional reserved spot for Ze'ev Elkin and place another candidate from New Hope outside the reserved quota (likely Deputy Foreign Minister Michel Buskila). Another spot could be allocated to a member of Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party during negotiations to unite the bloc.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu suffered a significant blow the evening before last when the party court rejected his demand to add a clause to the primary regulations allowing for the cancellation of primaries in the event of a security escalation, with a nominating committee to decide the list order instead.
"There is no room to leave a loophole for the cancellation of the primaries. This is not the way of the Likud movement. Likud is not a one-man party, and it will lose its vitality if it becomes one," wrote the court president, former MK Michael Kleiner, adding that if the security situation prevents physical primaries, it is better to consider postponing them or holding electronic elections.
"A false presentation"
There is great unrest within Likud regarding the intention to cancel the primaries or reduce the influence of registered members. MK David Bitan, a strongman in the Likud center, called on committee members to oppose Netanyahu's proposal, claiming it is a "false presentation" and that the plan actually originates from Minister Haim Katz.
Bitan added that the plan would harm internal party democracy and prevent the addition of new blood to the Likud list. Party members claim Katz is trying to secure a spot for his associate, MK Eti Atiya. One option being considered is allowing incumbent MKs and ministers to run via electoral districts, giving them a significant advantage over competitors who lack high public recognition.
Regardless, party sources estimate that even if the proposal passes today, the chances of the primaries actually taking place remain low. "The moment Netanyahu raised the possibility of cancellation due to the security situation, it became clear he is preparing for there to be no primaries at all."
At the same time, powerful local authority heads within Likud are pushing for the replacement of primaries with a nominating committee, where they would "sit on the switch" and determine who gets a realistic position on the list for the next Knesset.
Dor Harlap, a leader of the "Victory Generation" in Likud, stated: "They tried to stop the vote with a last-minute injunction and change the regulations during the game, but we did not give up. Tomorrow we will strengthen the Prime Minister, approve the reserved spots he requested, but vote against Haim Katz's clause."
