Coalition Chairman and Knesset Member Ofir Katz discussed the Likud party's future plans and the challenges faced by the coalition during the current term in an interview with the "120 and One" podcast. Katz stated that, in his view, the Likud party was not forceful enough regarding judicial reform. He asserted that if the next government is formed by Likud, the party intends to advance all legislation that was halted without stopping halfway.
Katz rejected claims regarding the scale of public opposition to the reform, arguing that media coverage inflated the protests in a way that did not reflect the reality on the ground. Furthermore, he revealed that he was aware in real-time of attempts by some faction members to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through a constructive vote of no-confidence shortly after the October 7th massacre. Katz described the maneuver as a "disgrace," claiming it was a political initiative aimed at seizing leadership during wartime rather than a move to save the country. He noted that he held conversations with Knesset members to prevent the move, believing the vast majority of the faction would not allow the Prime Minister's removal.
Regarding party affairs, MK Katz defended Likud's decision to increase the number of reserved seats (shiryunim) for primaries, a move that drew public and legal criticism. He emphasized that it was a democratic process supported by over 70% of the Central Committee members, arguing that the reserved seats allow Netanyahu to bring in "new faces" from outside the traditional branch activity track. Additionally, Katz attacked the formation of new parties seen as competing with Likud, stating that a true Likud supporter does not vote for "satellite parties" or those pretending to be Likud.
Regarding his parliamentary work, Katz recounted late-night events in the Knesset where the Prime Minister's personal intervention was required to secure a majority for urgent laws, including dispatching staff to MKs' homes in the dead of night. According to him, these events highlight the Prime Minister's determination to achieve his political goals even under complex conditions. However, Katz emphasized that the primary goal in the upcoming elections will be to increase voter turnout among right-wing supporters to ensure the party's victory.