Let's start from the end. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't have an official endorsement list for candidates competing in the Likud primaries this week, nor does he have a hit list for people he wants out of the Knesset. Unofficially, he does have both lists.
Every contender in the Likud election knows full well on what list he or she falls, based on whether Netanyahu has expressed public support in some format or on any occasion.
Some Netanyahu's associates who have made sure to tell Likud officials who is on each list.
Former Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar is the first name on Netanyahu's hit list, unsurprisingly. Netanyahu has repeatedly come out against him in public and even said he would promote legislation to make sure Sa'ar won't become prime minister.
Sa'ar is popular in the party, but in recent months a growing number of members have opted to side with Netanyahu rather than jeopardize their standing with the prime minister.
Sa'ar has strengthened his ties with Welfare and Social Services Minister Haim Katz in recent weeks in response to Netanyahu's campaign against him. This has naturally resulted in Katz's name being added to the hit list.
Another surprising name on the hit list is Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
Netanyahu apparently has not gotten over Edelstein's attempt to prevent his speech at the annual torch-lighting ceremony on Independence Day several months ago. Netanyahu has not forgotten and apparently has not forgiven either.
Another Likud persona who has apparently discovered to his dismay that he has fallen out of favor with Netanyahu is Communications Minister Ayoob Kara. Kara, who has been ridiculed for trying to curry favor with Netanyahu, has found himself off the coveted list.
The surprising name that did make the cut is MK Amir Ohana. Netanyahu likes him on a personal level and approves of the way he has conducted himself in the media throughout the nation-state law saga. He has also appreciated Ohana's decision to defend Netanyahu against various corruption allegations.
Netanyahu also supports those who have stayed loyal to him, including Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz and Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev.
Transportation and Road Safety Minister Yisrael Katz is a unique case. On the one hand, his standing with Netanyahu has suffered after saying he wanted to become prime minister. On the other hand, Netanyahu has decided to embrace him, having recognized his strong clout within the Likud party machine. That is why Katz is now listed fifth in Netanyahu's endorsement list.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan and Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel are not high on the endorsement list, to their dismay. By contrast, MKs David Amsalem and David Bitan are both high up on the list.
