Netanyahu did everything to ensure the primaries would not be conducted properly. He knows very well why
Netanyahu tried to cancel or disrupt the Likud primaries, demanded ten signatures, and hoped the polling stations would not open. He disdains the current list members and wants to thin out the list to improve the party's chances, which stands at 21-23 seats in polls. He is working to lower Tali Gottlieb and May Golan, and trying to thwart David Bitan. The author claims the Likud has become Netanyahu's party.
In an opinion piece on Walla, the author claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried by every means to prevent the holding of the Likud primaries, which took place today, August 17, 2026. Netanyahu demanded ten signatures, warned that if the security situation deteriorated the primaries would be canceled, and hoped the polling stations would not open. The author explains that Netanyahu disdains most of the current list members, some of whom he 'despises from the bottom of his heart,' and wants to thin out the list of MKs who protected him but are now 'superfluous.' He quotes Netanyahu telling mayors: 'With such a list, you don't bring government.' The article describes how Netanyahu is working to lower Tali Gottlieb and May Golan on the list, through briefings to reporters like Amit Segal and Yinon Magal, claiming they cost mandates. Also mentioned is an attempt to thwart David Bitan, the only one who challenged Netanyahu. The author concludes that the Likud has become 'Netanyahu's party' and has been emptied of the legacy of Begin and Shamir.