Kathmandu— Israel’s governing Likud Party will hold primary elections on Monday to select candidates for the upcoming general election, an event widely anticipated as particularly consequential for both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his party. The primaries are known for being contentious within Israeli politics, and this year's contest is further complicated by ongoing conflicts and deep divisions over key issues like settlements and the future of Gaza. Under Israel’s proportional representation system, the order of candidates on each party list directly determines who will secure a seat in the 120-member Knesset, making these primaries a high-stakes battle for power.

Likud's Historical Shift

The Likud Party fundamentally altered Israel’s political landscape when Menachem Begin became prime minister in 1977, breaking the long-held dominance of the Labor party. Since then, Likud has been credited with shifting the country’s political center to the right and pursuing aggressive military policies, including invasions of Lebanon and responses to the Second Intifada. The party also departed from previous government consensus by increasing support for Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, defying international law.

The Power of Party Lists

Israel’s system of proportional representation means that each party submits a ranked list of candidates; seats in the Knesset are then allocated based on the party's overall vote share. For example, if Likud receives 23.4 percent of the vote—as it did in the last election—the top 32 names on its candidate list will be awarded parliamentary seats. This system gives significant power to party leaders and those who can secure a high ranking on the list.

Netanyahu’s Control Over Candidate Selection

While some Israeli parties allow members to directly determine the candidate list, Likud's process is heavily influenced by Netanyahu. He personally selects candidates for eight slots based on his position as leader and has secured agreements guaranteeing uncontested positions for three other Knesset members: Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Defence Minister Israel Katz, and Haim Katz, chair of the Likud Constitution Committee. This leaves only fifteen realistic places available for other candidates within the top thirty.

Hardline Views Among Key Candidates

Several prominent candidates vying for positions on the Likud list hold uncompromising views on key issues. Defence Minister Israel Katz has repeatedly advocated for harsh measures in Gaza, including cutting off essential supplies and maintaining a security zone. Gideon Saar has also taken a hardline stance, supporting the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and defending restrictions on humanitarian aid. Haim Katz is another staunch supporter of policies towards Gaza and advocates for new Israeli settlements within the Palestinian enclave. Even newer candidates like tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky have expressed extreme views, including calling for the complete destruction of Gaza and disparaging remarks about US President Donald Trump.

New Faces and Controversial Statements

Netanyahu has publicly endorsed certain candidates, such as former Otzma Yehudit MK Almog Cohen. He has also backed Oren Dobronsky, a tech entrepreneur who previously served in the Israeli army’s central computing unit and Silicon Valley. However, Dobronsky recently apologized for past online comments criticizing Trump and advocating for the complete destruction of Gaza.

The results of Monday's Likud primaries will significantly shape the party’s platform and candidate lineup heading into the general election, with implications for Israel’s future policies on security, settlements, and international relations.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.