Likud

Israel’s upcoming election season could become its ugliest yet - opinion

In the end, Israelis will survive this election. But the real question remains unanswered: What kind of society will be here once it is over?

A man wearing a mask depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds images of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at a protest in Tel Aviv, last month. When both sides view the election in such existential terms, restraint disappears, the writer warns.
A LIKUD supporter waves the party’s flag at a gathering, a show of grassroots loyalty which has long defined the movement, even as critics say its primaries have reshaped, and at times distorted, who rises within its ranks.

Middle Israel: How Likud’s primaries poisoned Israeli politics - opinion

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a Jerusalem Day event, May 14, 2026; illustrative.

Over half of Israelis want PM Netanyahu to retire from politics, not run in Knesset election - poll

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ministers Smotrich and Kisch.

Netanyahu, Kisch, Smotrich allocate over NIS 1b., outline AI education plan for summer schools


Bennett calls to dissolve Knesset, form constitution at kick-off party event with Lapid

The remarks came on Tuesday, as Bennett outlined his plans for the country if elected, alongside opposition leader Yair Lapid, at the first major campaign event of their newly merged Together party.

OPPOSITION LEADER Yair Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attend an election event for the joint list “Together” ahead of the upcoming elections, in Tel Aviv, central Israel, May 12, 2026.

'All options are relevant': Dedi Simchi aims to influence political arena from within - 103FM

"I don't know what else I am doing, but I made the decision to enter and influence from the political arena," Simchi said. "In my opinion, it's no longer possible to sit on the sidelines."

Dedi Simchi speaks during a conference at the Reichman University in Herzliya, on January 22, 2026.

Likud members still support Netanyahu, hold reservations on his policies - poll

In the Likud list for the 26th Knesset, according to the poll of members, Talya Gottlieb leads with 71.5%. Following her are Amir Ohana with 69.9%, Moshe Saada with 61.6%, and Eli Cohen with 56.6%.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ministers at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on December 8, 2025.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar claims Hamas plotted Oct. 7 attacks during Bennett-Lapid gov't

Zohar's remarks came even though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was already in power when the 2023 attacks occurred.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar at the opening of the Israeli Cartoon Museum in the city of Holon, central Israel, February 10, 2026.

Levin-backed appointments bill advances despite warning from A-G it would politicize civil service

The bill, which would give ministers and the government far broader control, would apply to a long list of senior posts, including any post requiring government approval.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).

Zehut party leader to run in elections on joint list with ex-Otzma Yehudit chair

The party said the alliance was born out of the understanding that the faith-based nationalist public in Israel currently "needs a strong political home." 

FORMER OTZMA YEHUDIT chair Michael Ben-Ari (left) and Zehut party leader Moshe Feiglin (right) agree to run in a joint list ahead of elections, Wednesday, May 7, 2026.

Netanyahu spars with prosecution over 2015 Walla interview, Election Day video, in trial hearing

According to the indictment, Netanyahu was involved in demands to delay the publication of an interview and to edit it before it was posted on the site.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to the courtroom at the Distrcit court in Tel Aviv, before the start of his testimony in the trial against him, October 28, 2025.

Without Netanyahu, Likud expected to fall below 20 seats, poll shows

Among opposition voters, 42.4% said Likud would receive 10-20 seats without Netanyahu, while 37.7% said it would fall below 10 seats. Only 8.3% said Likud could still reach 30 or more seats.

‘THOSE WHO lionize Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will portray the operation as an unmitigated success; those who loathe them will dismiss it as a total failure. The sober truth lies in between.’ Here, Netanyahu speaks to the media in Jerusalem in March.

Likud political storm: Netanyahu's demand for reserved spots sparks tension

The unusual threat could shake up the list and push a significant number of ministers and MKs out of their positions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their vote during the elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, November 25, 2025.

Sharon Sharabi, brother of ex-hostage Eli Sharabi, joins Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beytenu

“Avigdor Liberman is a true right-wing leader, and the only one in the political system who was not part of the conception," Sharabi said upon joining the party.

Sharon Sharabi (left), brother of former Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi, and Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman (right).