Survival battle in the primaries, Netanyahu's bloc games, and Edelstein's gamble

The analysis examines the Likud primaries, Netanyahu's influence on the composition of the list, and his strategy for unifying the right-wing bloc. It discusses slots, deals, and candidates like Almog Cohen and Boaz Bismuth. It also assesses Smotrich's standing and his influence on the government, comparing it to the left camp.

The article, written by a political commentator, deals with the Likud primaries and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to shape the party's list. The author argues that Netanyahu, who decided to allow the primaries, is working to influence their composition through slots, legal maneuvers, and deploying his people. He identifies a weakening of 'deals' in Likud and estimates that the internal elections will be a contest of popularity and action. As an example, he cites Almog Cohen, a candidate without activists or budget, whose chances are not bad. It also discusses ministers who may be ousted and a group of candidates Netanyahu sees as harmful. Further, Netanyahu's strategy to unify the right-wing bloc is described, pressuring candidates to unite and prevent wasted votes. The author compares the right to the left, where there is no agreed leader, and mentions Gadi Eisenkot. Finally, the standing of Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of Religious Zionism, is assessed, whose influence on the government has grown, and he succeeds in achieving his goals while cooperating with Netanyahu.