BICOM

Registration for candidates in the Likud leadership election scheduled for 23 February closed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unopposed.

Likud’s Central Committee recently approved Netanyahu’s request to advance the leadership contest, which Likud rules state must be held at least six months before a general election. However, with former minister Gideon Saar having ruled himself out of the contest this time, Netanyahu will face no contender, essentially ensuring his leadership of Likud into the next election and possibly beyond.

Likud’s election committee decided yesterday that although the vote is a formality, an actual leadership ballot will be held on 23 February. This will reportedly come at a cost of £700,000. Moreover, commentators such as Ben Caspit in Maariv and Sima Kadmon in Yediot Ahronot are critical of the decision to provide only a ballot paper in favour of Netanyahu and a blank ballot, which regulations demand are discounted. Consequently, they say, there is no facility for Likud members to cast a vote against Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is facing potential disquiet within his coalition over the anticipated allocation of ministerial portfolios. Shas leader Aryeh Deri was this week appointed Interior Minister following the recent resignation of Likud’s Silvan Shalom over allegations of sexual impropriety. Netanyahu is expected to use the change as an opportune moment to appoint new ministers to fill at least some of the Foreign, Economy, Communication and Regional Cooperation portfolios which he retains.

It is widely reported that Netanyahu wishes to fill any vacant positions with Likud MKs, with Tzachi Hanegbi set to be the first beneficiary. Hanegbi is currently the chair of the influentual Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. However, Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett and Kulanu head Moshe Kahlon both argue that their parties should receive extra ministerial positions in order to ensure that the government reflects the balance of the coalition. Netanyahu and Kahlon reportedly met yesterday but failed to come to an agreement, meaning that any further ministerial appointments will likely be delayed.