Eliyahu Ravivo
Eliyahu Ravivo is an Israeli politician and Member of Knesset for the Likud party. In August 2026, he drew significant political attention by withdrawing from the Likud primary, amid reports of a potential diplomatic appointment as Israel's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
Eliyahu Ravivo is a prominent figure within the Likud party, representing the national-liberal camp. His tenure in the Knesset has been characterized by a focus on internal party dynamics and legislative initiatives aligned with the Likud's core security and economic platforms. In August 2026, Ravivo became a focal point of political discourse following his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Likud primary elections. Ravivo publicly attributed his withdrawal to the current electoral structure and the prevalence of reserved slots within the party list, which he argued complicates the ability of candidates to secure realistic positions through a direct democratic vote. However, political analysts and media reports, including those from N12, suggested that his exit from the primary was linked to a high-level diplomatic offer. According to these reports, Ravivo was offered the position of Israel's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in exchange for stepping aside from the internal race. This development highlights the ongoing strategic maneuvering within the Likud as it prepares its roster for future national elections, balancing veteran lawmakers with new appointments and diplomatic postings. Ravivo's departure from the ballot, alongside other MKs like Mishael Biskila, signals a period of transition and internal reorganization for Israel's largest governing party.