An internal battle in the Likud reached its final stage Monday as party convention members voted on three proposals advanced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including changes to the primary system, expanded access to district and reserved slots for sitting lawmakers, and approval of eight candidates personally reserved by Netanyahu through the 29th position on the party slate.

With approximately 80% of the ballots counted and around 600 votes still outstanding, the closest contest involved the proposal allowing current Knesset members, ministers and deputy ministers to compete not only on the national list, but also in district races and designated slots.

Under the existing system, sitting lawmakers were barred from competing in those categories because of their built-in advantage, with the reserved positions intended to provide a fair opportunity for new candidates.

The two other proposals — changes to the party’s internal election system and approval of Netanyahu’s eight reserved slots — appeared headed for passage after receiving the strongest support.

Likud MK David Bitan led the opposition to the proposals, arguing that the changes would harm new candidates and would not strengthen the party’s electoral slate. Bitan accused Likud Central Committee chairman Chaim Katz of working with Netanyahu to create an internal faction within the party.

“We put Netanyahu in first place — if he brings all the votes, why does he need to bring in reserved candidates?” Bitan asked during an interview with 103FM.

The vote came one day after the Likud tribunal rejected Netanyahu’s request to add a provision allowing the party to cancel its primaries during a period of heightened security tensions. The tribunal ruled that internal elections must still be held, even if they need to be postponed or conducted electronically.

“We are not a one-man party,” the tribunal wrote, emphasizing that the Likud is obligated to hold primaries.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)