What would Menachem Begin say about democracy’s state in today’s Likud? - editorial

The Jerusalem Post editorial questions whether the Likud party remains true to Menachem Begin's democratic vision amid internal battles over primaries and party control. MK David Bitan accused the Prime Minister's Office of pressuring ministers and MKs to record videos supporting Netanyahu's proposals, suggesting a culture of enforced loyalty. The piece contrasts this with Begin's legacy of robust internal debate and warns that conflating conformity with unity could cost Likud seats in the upcoming elections.

The Jerusalem Post editorial examines whether the Likud party has strayed from Menachem Begin's democratic principles amid an internal struggle over primaries and party control. Veteran Likud MK David Bitan leveled extraordinary accusations against his own leadership, claiming the Prime Minister's Office contacted ministers and MKs asking them to record videos in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposals ahead of an internal party vote. Bitan stated that Netanyahu initially wanted appointments rather than internal elections but agreed to primaries following petitions and public pressure. He described a climate of fear, noting that ministers are under pressure because the prime minister appoints and can dismiss them. The editorial contrasts this with Begin's legacy, quoting his declaration that 'without an opposition, there can be no democracy.' It notes that Likud's own internal court had to order that primaries proceed according to the party's democratic framework. The piece also references claims by MK Sharren Haskel that members of the New Hope-United Right faction were instructed to film themselves voting for Michael Rabello and show the footage to Netanyahu as proof. The editorial warns that if Likud continues to mistake conformity for unity, voters may deliver a lesson in October, potentially reducing the party's Knesset seats.