Netanyahu’s Party Reshuffle Plan Heads for Victory in Likud Primary Vote

After three delays and amid escalating internal tensions, members of Likud’s central committee have begun voting on a proposal that would grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eight protected parliamentary seats on the party’s Knesset list. The ballot also covers a separate proposal from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to merge regional party districts. With voting turnout reaching 72.7 per cent, the measures appear set to pass. The primary voting process has been marked by considerable controversy within Israel’s ruling coalition party, with repeated postponements reflecting deep divisions over the distribution of parliamentary representation. The proposal would effectively guarantee Netanyahu’s allies prominent positions in the incoming Knesset slate, strengthening his grip on party machinery ahead of potential future elections. The high turnout among party members suggests significant engagement despite the ongoing disputes that have characterised the leadership’s management of internal party affairs.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.