Members of the Likud party have selected their candidates for the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for October. Recent polls indicate a decline in the popularity of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party compared to its current representation in the parliament.
This internal election follows a turbulent tenure for Netanyahu, marked by the conflict in Gaza and the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack, as well as a contentious judicial reform crisis.
Approximately 140,000 party members are eligible to vote for the candidates. Polls suggest Likud could secure between 22 and 25 seats, down from its present 32 seats.
Netanyahu caused controversy within the party by reserving about ten spots on the candidate list for individuals of his personal choosing, reducing the number of spots available for the 124 candidates running in the primaries.
Despite widespread criticism of Netanyahu related to the war and internal policies, his popularity remains strong within the party.
Current lawmaker Amit Halevi told "Agence France-Presse" he would have preferred "fewer reserved spots," adding that "the vast majority will be chosen through primaries, which is what's important."
The voter turnout was 53 percent when the polls closed, according to the party.
Initial results are expected this Tuesday morning, with the new list composition potentially impacting Likud’s performance in the October 27 elections.