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Israel’s Likud Party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will conduct internal elections on Monday to finalize its candidate roster for the nation’s upcoming general election. The primary process represents a significant moment for both the ruling party and Netanyahu personally, as the forthcoming legislative contest carries substantial implications for their political future.
The Likud Party operates under a proportional representation system where party members vote to determine candidate rankings for parliamentary seats. While certain positions are reserved for women, younger candidates, and recent immigrants, Netanyahu retains considerable influence over candidate placement through his role as party leader. This structure allows him to personally select eight candidates for prominent positions, with three additional seats allocated through prior agreements with other party members.
Several prominent figures are positioned prominently on the candidate list through negotiated arrangements. Defence Minister Israel Katz will appear uncontested following special agreements, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar secured an automatic position when his political party merged with Likud in 2025. Both ministers represent hardline positions within the party’s leadership regarding current military operations and territorial policies.
Known for spirited competition among members, Likud’s primary elections rank among Israel’s most contentious political events. The party has fundamentally shaped Israeli politics since 1977, historically pushing the country’s political center rightward and championing policies regarding West Bank settlements and military responses to regional conflicts.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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