Netanyahu's Likud party members choose candidates for Israel's parliamentary election

Members of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party are set to vote on Monday for candidates to run in Israel's upcoming parliamentary election. The primary election holds significant weight, potentially shaping the character of a future Israeli government should Netanyahu and his allies secure victory in the general election scheduled for October 27.

According to Israeli media outlets Times of Israel and Haaretz, 140,000 party members are eligible to cast their ballots. Recent polls suggest Likud could win between 22 and 24 seats in the 120-member Knesset, a decrease from their current 32 mandates.

While Likud has historically highlighted its primaries as a demonstration of internal democracy, Netanyahu recently sought to cancel the vote, citing Israel's "war situation." He proposed that candidates be selected by a committee he controlled. However, a judge overseeing internal Likud matters rejected this proposal.

Only a few Israeli parties utilize primary elections to select their candidates. Likud's internal process is seen as a key factor in its political strategy and internal dynamics.