Benjamin Netanyahu Secures Control of Likud Slate After Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consolidated his authority over the Likud party following primaries held on August 17, 2026, to determine the candidate list for the October 27 national election. Although not a candidate on the ballot, Netanyahu expanded his control by securing reserved spots for loyalists within the top 30 positions, a move approved by the Likud Central Committee.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen won the most votes among party members, securing the top slot behind Netanyahu. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Justice Minister Yariv Levin followed in second and third place, respectively. The process saw a 53.5% turnout across 501 polling stations, utilizing manual ballots to prevent foreign cybersecurity interference. However, the results left several serving ministers, including May Golan and Idit Silman, outside the realistic cutoff for Knesset seats. Allegations of fraud also emerged at a polling station in Yeruham, prompting complaints from candidates May Golan and Amit Halevi.

Netanyahu described the final list as a means of renewal to establish a broad national government. Political rival Gadi Eisenkot criticized the roster as the October 7 slate, accusing candidates of a dereliction of duty. Despite internal friction and previous projections of a decline in popularity, recent polls place Likud in first place ahead of Eisenkot's Yashar party, with projections ranging from 31 to 32 seats.