Netanyahu expands control over Likud party candidate list

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expanding his influence within the Likud party by securing more controlled seats on the Knesset candidate list. The party announced the selection of Oren Dubrowsky, a high-tech entrepreneur with no prior political background, as the first of Netanyahu’s handpicked candidates. Dubrowsky, described as a right-wing figure, is expected to lead efforts regarding artificial intelligence in sectors such as economy, education, and healthcare.

In addition to Dubrowsky, Netanyahu is consolidating power by securing advanced positions for key allies. Defense Minister Israel Katz will be placed on the list via a party court decision, which cited the need for Katz to focus on security matters rather than primary election campaigning. Gideon Sa'ar and Haim Katz are also being placed in prominent positions within Netanyahu’s allocated quota.

These maneuvers increase Netanyahu’s control over more than one-third of the Likud list, intensifying internal competition ahead of the party’s primary elections scheduled for August 17. The expansion of these reserved seats effectively pushes other candidates to lower rankings, potentially threatening the re-election of some current Knesset members.