Likud Sets August 4 Primary as Netanyahu Battles Over Slate

Likud's Constitution Committee set August 4 as the party primary date, pushing the vote back from July 28 while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presses for more influence over the Knesset slate. Israeli reports say the central fight is over reserved slots, with Netanyahu seeking up to 11 placements in the top 40 and several in the top 10, while Haim Katz, David Bitan and other party figures resisted a larger package. The rules are expected to be settled this week. The dispute matters nationally because Likud's list will shape any right-religious governing path, coalition discipline and the campaign after a hard security year.