Likud officials report that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is interested in setting the party lineup and his supporters insist his efforts to push ahead the primary election is in no way connected to pushing out possible contenders for the party’s top spot. At present, Likud primaries is set for January 7, 2014.

Some believe that former Interior Minister Gideon Saar will return to run against Mr. Netanyahu for the leadership. Many feel that Saar has a real chance of unseating the party leader, which is compelling Netanyahu to push for the primary elections as early as possible to prevent potential opponents from organizing.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)