Likud Election Tests Netanyahu's Influence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confronting a crucial test of his authority within his own Likud party as members vote in internal elections to select a majority of candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27.

The outcome of these primaries is anticipated to significantly influence Likud's political trajectory. Several incumbent members of Parliament are reportedly at risk of losing their positions, signaling a potential shift within the party's composition. Likud itself is projected to secure fewer seats than its current 32.

For months, Netanyahu has been actively working to gain more control over the party's electoral candidate list. Local media reports indicate that he previously attempted to replace the internal election system with a committee responsible for candidate selection. Although this specific effort failed, Netanyahu succeeded in securing the right to personally appoint eight candidates to the party's list, granting him considerable influence over Likud's lineup.

According to Haaretz, Netanyahu has also aimed to diminish the influence of certain hardline Likud parliament members while promoting candidates he believes are more likely to garner voter support. These internal elections are seen as a key measure of Netanyahu's enduring sway within Likud and whether the party's members are aligning with his desired direction.