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Likud

The Likud is Israel's primary right-wing national-liberal party, currently led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It serves as the anchor of the governing coalition, championing security-first policies, free-market economics, and Jewish national sovereignty.

The Zioneer Intelligence Desk
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The Likud (The Consolidation) remains the dominant force in Israeli politics, though it currently faces significant internal and external pressures. As the lead party in the governing coalition, it balances the demands of its Haredi and Religious Zionist partners while maintaining its traditional base of national-liberal voters. Historically, the party has been defined by the 'Iron Wall' security doctrine and a commitment to the Land of Israel, alongside a populist appeal that has made it the largest party for much of the last four decades.

In June 2026, the party is navigating a complex political landscape marked by polling erosion and internal friction. Recent surveys from N12 and Kan 11 show the Likud falling to between 22 and 23 seats, with opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot surging to within a single mandate of the party's lead. This electoral pressure is compounded by internal disputes over the party's democratic processes. A major point of contention has emerged regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu's demand for 10 reserved slots on the party list, leading to a fierce backlash from senior figures. MK David Bitan has been a vocal critic of these moves, even petitioning the Likud party court to block the replacement of primaries with an 'arranging committee,' warning that such a shift could lead to the party's eventual demise.

Legislatively, the Likud continues to advance key coalition priorities, such as the Basic Law: Torah Study, which seeks to equate religious study with military service. This has required delicate political maneuvering, including alleged tactical cooperation with Arab parties to secure majorities. Simultaneously, the party faces legal and ethical challenges, exemplified by the police announcement of an evidentiary basis against MK Eli Cohen in the diplomatic passport affair. Despite these headwinds, the Likud remains the central pillar of the Israeli right, maintaining its focus on national resilience and security-first governance in a volatile regional environment.

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  • Likud lawmaker proposes stationary cameras at every polling station

    A member of the Likud party has advanced a new legislative initiative to install stationary cameras at every polling station across Israel to ensure election integrity, according to material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk on Monday.

  • Likud Infighting Intensifies Over Netanyahu's Demand for 10 Reserved Slots

    Internal friction within the Likud party reached a new peak on Monday as senior figures voiced fierce resistance to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand for 10 reserved slots on the party's Knesset list. According to reports from Maariv and other outlets, the opposition is so significant that some officials have suggested it would be preferable to cancel the primaries entirely and form an arranging committee rather than grant the Prime Minister such extensive personal appointments.

  • Full 15-justice High Court panel opens hearing on judicial selection reform

    The High Court of Justice convened Sunday morning with all 15 justices to hear petitions against the law altering the Judicial Selection Committee. This marks the first time the full panel has assembled since the landmark reasonableness standard debate. Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit opened the proceedings by acknowledging that the legislation introduces a "significant change" to Israel's judicial appointment process.

  • N12 poll: Eisenkot overtakes Bennett, closes to within one seat of Likud

    A new political poll broadcast Thursday evening by Amit Segal on N12 shows Gadi Eisenkot's party surging past Naftali Bennett's and coming within a single seat of the Likud. The results, published at 21:07 Jerusalem time, signal a rapid shift in the opposition landscape as the former IDF chief of staff overtakes the former prime minister after weeks of rising support.

  • Police: Evidentiary basis found against MK Eli Cohen in diplomatic passport affair

    Israel Police announced on Wednesday that they have established an evidentiary basis against former Foreign Minister and current MK Eli Cohen (Likud) in a probe concerning the irregular issuance of diplomatic passports. The investigation, conducted by the Lahav 433 national fraud unit, has been referred to the State Attorney's Office to determine whether an indictment will be filed.

  • Kan 11 poll: Eisenkot surges past Bennett for first time, 21 vs 17 seats

    A new Kan 11 poll by the Kantar Institute reveals a significant shift in the Israeli political landscape, with Gadi Eisenkot's party rising to 21 seats and overtaking Naftali Bennett for the first time. The survey, published Tuesday evening, shows Bennett dropping six seats to 17, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud falls to a multi-month low of 23 mandates.

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