Drama in Likud: Primary Fate Decided by Just 6 Votes

On July 27, the Likud activist base approved Netanyahu and Katz's proposals for the primary process. The change to the district-based election system passed by a margin of 6 votes, sparking calls for a revote due to suspicions of fraud.

On Monday, July 27, the Likud party activist base voted on proposals by party leader Benjamin Netanyahu and party center chairman Haim Katz regarding the conduct of primaries and the formation of the candidate list for the 26th Knesset. Turnout was 72.7% (3,387 center members). Netanyahu's request for eight personal slots was approved by a significant majority. However, Katz's proposal to change the district-based election system, supported by Netanyahu, passed by a margin of just six votes. This proposal allows current MKs and ministers to run in peripheral districts, which critics say will make it harder for new candidates to advance. Within the party, there are calls for a revote due to suspicions of fraud.