Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has altered the internal rules of his Likud party to allow a far-right politician to run in the upcoming primary elections, a move that has drawn attention amid heightened tensions within the ruling party and broader geopolitical disputes. The change comes as Netanyahu faces mounting challenges from within his own ranks, particularly from Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who has openly criticized the prime minister’s handling of the ongoing conflict with Hamas and his domestic policies. The shift in Likud’s internal regulations was confirmed through multiple sources, indicating that Netanyahu is attempting to consolidate his position ahead of the October 27 general election. This move allows a candidate who aligns more closely with hardline positions to enter the race, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the party’s leadership contest. The decision reflects Netanyahu’s efforts to maintain control over the Likud faction, even as dissent grows among senior members of his government. The controversy over Netanyahu’s remarks about Britain has also intensified scrutiny on his leadership style and foreign policy approach. During an Army Radio podcast recorded in August 2026, Netanyahu referred to Britain as the “Islamic Republic of Britain,” a phrase that drew immediate condemnation from the UK government. A British government spokesman described the comments as “completely unacceptable” and stated that the issue had been raised with the Israeli authorities. The remark followed a discussion about the legacy of fallen soldiers and the historical ties between Israel and the United Kingdom, particularly referencing the pro-Israel coverage of the Six-Day War by descendants of Winston Churchill. Netanyahu’s comments were initially attributed to a previous statement made by US Vice President JD Vance during a speech in July 2024. However, the Israeli government later attempted to deflect responsibility, suggesting that Netanyahu was merely repeating a remark made by Vance. This explanation did little to ease concerns among international observers and critics, who viewed the comment as an inflammatory and diplomatically damaging statement. The situation escalated further when Likud launched a controversial billboard campaign ahead of the election season. The advertisement featured images of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, all positioned together with the message “They want Netanyahu to lose; don’t let them win.” The billboard, which was erected in Tel Aviv, sparked a wave of responses from rival political factions, who created their own variations to criticize Netanyahu’s allies and advisors. Among these responses, the Yashar party, led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, countered with a version of the billboard that accused Netanyahu of undermining the military. Other political figures, including Member of Knesset Naama Lazimi, modified the billboard to highlight alleged scandals involving Netanyahu’s inner circle, specifically linking them to the Qatargate affair. These developments underscore the deepening divisions within Israeli politics, as competing factions seek to influence public perception ahead of the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the internal struggle within Likud has reached a critical juncture with the looming primary elections. Netanyahu’s potential confrontation with Barkat has become a focal point of speculation, with analysts predicting a high-stakes battle for the leadership of the party. Barkat, who has long been a vocal critic of Netanyahu, has been preparing for this moment, leveraging his financial resources and political connections to challenge the prime minister’s dominance. Internal polling suggests that Barkat enjoys strong support among certain segments of the Likud base, although Netanyahu still holds a significant advantage in terms of name recognition and political experience. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the outcome of the Likud primary will have far-reaching implications for Israel’s future direction. Whether Netanyahu succeeds in maintaining his grip on power or faces a formidable challenge from within his own party remains uncertain, but the stage is set for a pivotal showdown that could reshape the nation’s political trajectory.
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