Likud sets July primaries while Netanyahu weighs impact of candidates on election outcome

Likud's internal politics are heating up as the party's constitution committee has set a deadline of July 28, 2026, for its Knesset list primaries. The decision, made unanimously, includes provisions to accelerate the primaries if national elections are called earlier. This formal timeline, however, masks a deeper struggle over how the party list will be formed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking ways to influence the composition of the list, fearing that a primary election could elevate vocal, populist candidates popular with the party base but potentially off-putting to moderate voters. Sources suggest Netanyahu would have preferred to bypass traditional primaries, perhaps through a steering committee, but acknowledges significant internal opposition to such a move.

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Netanyahu would have preferred a different solution, but he understands that it would spark very strong opposition inside Likud.

Despite these concerns, the constitution committee's meeting is seen as a strong indicator that primaries will proceed. While this committee drafts recommendations, the final decision rests with either a new convention or the outgoing central committee. A petition has been filed to challenge the committee's convening, but no injunction has been issued, allowing the process to move forward. The party is navigating these internal procedures while also considering the broader impact on election outcomes.

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The convening of the constitution committee is a necessary step. It does not matter whether the final decision is made by the outgoing central committee or by the new convention - without a recommendation from the constitution committee, it is impossible to move forward.