Likud opens primary contests to new candidates in surprise move

Gila Gamliel, a senior Likud politician, has backed a controversial decision to open party primary contests to new candidates ahead of the party’s upcoming internal elections. The move, which had previously sparked internal controversy, is now gaining unexpected support from within Netanyahu’s party as it seeks to revitalise its membership base.Gamliel dismissed concerns that the opening of constituency competitions would weaken Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position, arguing instead that there is broad support within the party for renewal and fresh faces. She characterised recent internal tensions over the issue as trivial, describing them as a “storm in a teacup”. The decision represents a significant shift in Likud’s traditional approach to candidate selection, which has historically favoured established party members and allies of the leadership.The Likud primary is traditionally seen as an important barometer of party sentiment and internal power dynamics. By opening contests to new candidates, the party leadership appears to be attempting to broaden its appeal and inject new momentum as it prepares for future electoral challenges. Gamliel’s public endorsement signals that the party is moving forward with the reforms despite earlier resistance from some quarters within the Likud hierarchy.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.