Netanyahu’s private talks with allies reveal deep fears over party rebellion

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been conducting an unusual series of private meetings with members of his Likud party, signalling mounting concern within his inner circle about potential mutiny from within his own ranks. The talks, described as “heart-to-heart” conversations, suggest growing anxiety about the stability of his political position as he faces pressure from various quarters.At the centre of Netanyahu’s concerns is the fear that Likud members who lose their seats in upcoming primary elections could seek revenge by supporting a constructive vote of no confidence against him. Such a motion could prove devastating to his government, as even a handful of defectors from his own party could provide opposition parties with the numbers needed to topple his administration.Sources close to Netanyahu indicate his team believes disgruntled party members could weaponise their parliamentary votes to block or delay key government priorities, including the approval of additional military equipment. This scenario represents one of his worst-case outcomes, as it would undermine his authority not just within his party but across the broader coalition government.The timing of these private meetings underscores the precarious nature of Netanyahu’s political position. While he continues to lead the government, maintaining party discipline has become increasingly challenging, particularly as internal Likud divisions deepen ahead of any future primary contests. The prime minister’s proactive engagement with allies appears designed to shore up support before any potential challenges materialize.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.