Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving to reshape the Likud slate ahead of the primaries, with people close to him saying his latest moves are partly aimed at settling scores over an alleged attempt by senior Likud figures to remove him from power in the aftermath of October 7, Channel 12 reported Tuesday.

The story centers on Economy Minister Nir Barkat and former senior Likud figure Yuli Edelstein, who Netanyahu’s circle suspects separately spearheaded efforts to replace him as the party was plunging in the polls following October 7. The plan was extraordinary: rather than force new elections, Likud lawmakers would use a constructive no-confidence vote in the Knesset to replace Netanyahu while keeping the government in Likud hands.

Edelstein reportedly concluded that uniting lawmakers behind a single replacement would be difficult and proposed heading a unity government for a limited period, followed by Likud primaries in which he himself would not be permitted to run. Channel 12 said numerous Likud MKs were aware of the discussions, with some aligned with Barkat, others with Edelstein, and still others willing to consider joining only if they themselves led the effort.

But the attempted revolt never got off the ground. Without relying on Arab MKs, the organizers needed 13 Likud lawmakers. Edelstein met at the time with Minister Chaim Katz, who strongly opposed the initiative and became one of the figures instrumental in stopping it. Once Netanyahu learned of the effort, he summoned a series of ministers and MKs and succeeded in blocking it, while the subsequent expansion of the coalition further ended the initiative.

Nearly three years later, Netanyahu’s circle believes it is time to settle the account.

Netanyahu announced Monday that successful high-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky would receive a reserved spot on the Likud slate and pledged that he would serve as a minister — placing him squarely in the type of economic role associated with Barkat. “Those around Netanyahu are convinced that Barkat acted at the time to bring Netanyahu down — and now is the time to settle the score,” a source close to Netanyahu told Channel 12.

Hours later, Likud announced that its secretariat would be asked to approve reserved positions for Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chaim Katz. According to a source close to Netanyahu, Chaim Katz is being rewarded both for helping Netanyahu secure the reserved slots in his capacity as chairman of the Likud Central Committee and for his central role in preventing the alleged post-October 7 revolt.

Channel 12 reported that Dobronsky’s placement may be only the beginning. Netanyahu is expected to strengthen additional candidates who could push Barkat further down the Likud primary list, including Eli Cohen, Ofir Katz and Amichai Chikli.

“The Netanyahus know everything,” a Netanyahu associate told Channel 12. “As far as they are concerned, Nir Barkat was the one who led it — and worse, it almost succeeded.”

Likud officially denied that Dobronsky’s placement was connected to political revenge, saying Netanyahu chose him because he is a successful high-tech entrepreneur whose experience can help lead Israel’s economy. Barkat’s office also welcomed the move, calling Dobronsky’s addition an “excellent decision” that strengthens Likud and the entrepreneurial forces within the party.

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