Israel’s PM secures loyalists on party ballot ahead of tight election
Likud party's primaries were seen as a test of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's control and an audition for potential successors, although he has given no indication he wants to leave politics.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured a loyalist contingent for his party's candidate list ahead of the Oct 27 elections, as the polls suggest his right-wing Likud party may lose up to a quarter of its parliamentary seats. The 76-year-old Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, faces a tough re-election battle.
The top 10 names on Likud's list consist of ministers, the parliament speaker, and coalition whip, all loyal to Netanyahu. Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a former foreign minister, topped the list, followed by Cohen's son, who was under police investigation for alleged misuse of diplomatic passports. Likud's statement praised the primaries, highlighting the integration of new forces and a "major victory" for the party under Netanyahu's leadership.
The party also aims for a broad national government after the elections. Netanyahu, leading the most right-wing government in Israel's history, has been embroiled in a regional conflict since the Hamas attack in Oct 2023 and faces criminal charges, including war crimes allegations from the International Criminal Court, which he vehemently denies.
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