Deals weakened, Netanyahu strengthened – and Likud heads for a political bloodbath

The Likud central committee vote showed that the power of political deals has eroded and the weight of 'free' voters is rising. Netanyahu received nine slots, an unprecedented achievement, and Likud is expected to face an aggressive primary race with fierce competition for limited spots.

The vote by Likud central committee members last night (Monday) showed that the power of political deals has eroded and the weight of 'free' voters is rising. David Bitan, a prominent deal-maker, failed to get his position across among the approximately 4,500 committee members, indicating a shift in the balance of power. Netanyahu received nine out of the 11 slots he demanded, an unprecedented achievement granting him broad political maneuvering room. The upcoming primaries are expected to be particularly aggressive, with fewer available spots and more candidates, potentially leading to a political 'bloodbath'. The trend may benefit MKs with personal power like Amir Ohana, Tally Gotliv, and Eli Cohen, while weakening deal-makers like Bitan, Amselem, Haim Katz, and Israel Katz.