Also in Likud: Netanyahu’s endorsement of three candidates in the district races is quite a significant development.
Netanyahu is putting himself to the test for two reasons.
On the domestic front — to challenge David Bitan’s candidates in the districts and prevent him from becoming a faction within the faction.
On the international front — he has learned from Trump to back his loyalists everywhere in order to take control of every available position.
As for Barkat and Gotliv, he is not openly taking a stand against them, even though he would be very happy to have a parliamentary faction without them.
By Monday night, we’ll know whether the gamble paid off.