Likud

Likud primaries begin as Netanyahu faces test of control over party's Knesset slate

The primaries come amid fierce internal tensions over changes that have expanded Netanyahu’s control over the party’s Knesset slate, which have made the primaries more competitive than in past years.

A worker at the Likud Primary election in front of a photo of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, August 17, 2026.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their vote during the elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, November 25, 2025

Highly competitive Likud primaries set as Netanyahu holds expanded control over Knesset slate

El Al plane takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, August 4, 2026; Illustrative.

Likud Party threatens Central Elections Committee petition over Fly&Vote initiative

A Likud billboard with Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem on August 16, 2026.

Likud election billboard puts Mamdani alongside Erdogan, Khamenei, and Qassem as Israel's enemies


Eight ministers, lawmakers wanted to leave Netanyahu's Likud for Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir reveals

"They see Otzma's polls, they saw how strong we are, and they wanted to join," Ben-Gvir elaborated.

The minister of national security Itamar Ben-Gvir

The secret Smotrich kept from his wife: Israel was going to war with Iran - interview

He voted against the January 2025 hostage deal, his own voters demanded he resign, and Ben-Gvir walked out. Smotrich stayed silent for five months. In an interview with the Post, he explained why.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with 'Jerusalem Post' Editor in Chief Zvika Klein, August 12, 2026.

Likud's Nir Barkat plotted to oust PM Netanyahu after October 7, journalist Amit Segal says

According to Segal, Health Minister Haim Katz told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the plot, who then foiled it by breaking the co-conspirators apart and strategic promotions.

Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy and Industry casts his vote at a polling station during the Likud party’s internal elections in Jerusalem, July 27, 2026.

Likud MKs remain barred from district primary slots after Supreme Court appeal is withdrawn

It does not affect the eight positions that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been authorized to fill with candidates of his choosing. The primary vote is currently scheduled for Monday.

Likud MK Afif Abed attends a hearing at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on whether incumbent Likud Knesset members can run in the party's district-based primary races, August 12, 2026

Netanyahu's Likud must get its house in order if it hopes to perform this October - editorial

Voters choose a party on Election Day; they cannot rearrange its candidates or express a preference for particular individuals.

People at polling station during the Likud party internal elections in Jeursalem, July 27, 2026.

Supreme Court rejects appeal over Likud regional slots, backs party court ruling

"The District Court decided not to intervene in the Likud court's decision, why should we intervene where the District Court found no problem?" Justice Grosskopf said.

People at polling station during the Likud party internal elections in Jeursalem, July 27, 2026.

Who will succeed Netanyahu? Likud members back Ohana as party primaries loom - poll

Many current Likud mainstay politicians are expected to be dropped after the party's primaries on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli president Isaac Herzog attend a state ceremony reburying Shimon and Rivka Herzl, the grandparents of Theodor Herzl, founder of modern political Zionism, alongside their grandson on Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu rose through Likud democracy. Now he risks hollowing it out from within - analysis

Netanyahu wants the ability to add people from high-tech, economics, security, and other fields who can broaden the party’s appeal and give it greater governing credibility. The problem is the scale.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a vote at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 16, 2026.

Likud court approves Netanyahu's reserved Knesset slot for Haim Katz after freezing vote

The interim order was issued during Tuesday’s Likud Secretariat vote because Haim Katz had already registered for the August 17 primaries and begun campaigning.

Israeli Minister and Likud member Haim Katz arrives for a meeting of the Likud Secretariat Committee at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, June 28, 2026.

Dobronsky carries experience from abroad Israel can use, but only if he comes home - editorial

Likud voters and the country as a whole deserve to know that those asking to exercise that trust intend to live among the people they represent.

Entrepreneur and businessman Oren Dobronsky