Middle Israel: Netanyahu's Likud list for the Israeli election highlights PM's cowardice - opinion

The Likud party's primary election saw members remove several lawmakers deemed unfit, including Nissim Vaturi and May Golan. Vaturi, known for controversial statements such as accusing judicial coup protesters of being deployed by Hamas and calling for the killing of all Gazans, was relegated to slot 43. May Golan, minister for social equality and women's advancement, faces accusations of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, and was pushed down to slot 30.

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Justice has been served.

However, the author criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud list for the Israeli election, arguing it highlights the premier's "cowardice." While some unfit candidates were removed, the author suggests Netanyahu's maneuvering allowed others to retain positions despite their political histories. The piece notes the demotion of Idit Silman, the outgoing environment minister, to slot 37. Silman is remembered as a "turncoat" whose defection from the Bennett coalition allegedly paved the way for the current government.

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Now, having shoved Vaturi down to slot no. 43, Likud voters told him he is too much, even for them.

Ze'ev Elkin, described as a "worldly intellectual and chess master," was also demoted to slot 32. Elkin and Gideon Sa'ar were once seen as Netanyahu's protégés who became outspoken critics, particularly after the judicial reform. They later returned to Netanyahu's side for cabinet seats. The author implies that Likud voters see little difference between Elkin and Silman, suggesting a broader dissatisfaction with their political maneuvering.

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Having pushed her down to slot no. 30, Likud’s members effectively said they don’t think a suspect of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, who ignored police summonses to investigate her, should represent them, whether in the government or in the Knesset.