What would Menachem Begin say about democracy’s state in today’s Likud? - editorial

The Likud party, tracing its origins to Menachem Begin's Herut movement, is facing scrutiny over its internal democratic processes. A recent editorial in the Jerusalem Post suggests that the party, once built on the freedom to disagree, may be deviating from its foundational principles. Begin himself emphasized that "without an opposition, there can be no democracy; without it, the essence of human liberty is in danger," a principle the editorial argues should extend to internal party workings.

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We are convinced – as we have witnessed throughout the world – that without an opposition, there can be no democracy; without it, the essence of human liberty is in danger.

Veteran Likud MK David Bitan voiced concerns, alleging that the Prime Minister's Office contacted ministers and MKs, soliciting videos in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposals ahead of an internal party vote. Bitan stated that officials felt pressured due to the Prime Minister's significant influence over appointments and potential dismissals, impacting their willingness to express dissent before a primary vote.

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The prime minister really wanted appointments rather than [internal] elections. But following the petitions we filed and the public pressure we created, he has essentially agreed to primaries.

This situation has led to questions about whether Likud has lost its value of strong internal debate. MK Dan Illouz had previously warned against weakening the party's primary system, expressing pride in Likud being "the only democratic party right now in the Knesset." However, recent events suggest a shift away from robust internal discourse, prompting concerns that the party's democratic framework, even its internal court's eventual order for primaries to proceed, is under strain.

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The prime minister appoints them as ministers; the prime minister can dismiss them from those positions. The prime minister has influence over many party members in the primaries, so people are under pressure. They’re afraid in this situation.