Generous Promises: Netanyahu Tries to Prevent a Rebellion in Likud

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a series of meetings with Likud lawmakers to prevent a rebellion in the party ahead of the elections. More than half of the faction risk not making it into the Knesset. Netanyahu is offering diplomatic posts, for example, to Eliyahu Revivo — the position of ambassador to the UAE. The meetings began on August 9, and reserved slots have also been distributed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a series of personal meetings with Likud Knesset members, aiming to prevent a rebellion in the party ahead of the 2026 elections. According to Ynet, more than half of the current faction members will not receive realistic slots on the candidate list, making them potential rebels. Netanyahu is offering some lawmakers diplomatic posts in case they do not make it into the next Knesset. For example, lawmaker Eliyahu Revivo has been promised the position of ambassador to the UAE. The meetings began on August 9: the prime minister received Minister David Amsalem, Finance Committee chairman Hanokh Milvitsky, Avichai Buaron (promised the post of chief of staff), and Almog Cohen (promised a reduction in party seniority). A source in Netanyahu's circle denies that any appointment offers were made at the meetings. Netanyahu has also distributed half of the eight reserved slots: businessman Oren Dobronski and ministers Israel Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, and Haim Katz received guaranteed slots. These steps are causing discontent among ministers and party veterans, who consider them too far-reaching.