Israel’s PM secures loyalists on party ballot ahead of tight election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allocated approximately 10 spots on his Likud party's candidate list for individuals he personally selects. Speaking from Jerusalem, Netanyahu expressed his satisfaction with the election of several loyalists to represent his right-wing Likud party in the upcoming Oct 27 polls. At 76 years old, Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, but he faces a challenging re-election campaign with polls indicating that Likud's parliamentary seats could drop from 32 to as few as 22 out of 120.

The primaries served as a gauge of Netanyahu's influence over Likud, as well as a trial run for potential successors. The top 10 names on the party's list consist of seven ministers, the parliament speaker, and the coalition whip, all of whom are viewed as close allies of Netanyahu. Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who previously held the position of foreign minister, claimed the top spot on the slate, despite being investigated for issuing diplomatic passports improperly during a past role, involving Netanyahu's son among others.

In a party statement, Netanyahu expressed his delight with the results of the Likud primaries, congratulating the elected candidates. He highlighted that the slate represented "renewal and the integration of new forces" at the top of the list. On Monday, Likud's 140,000 members participated in primary voting to select their candidates.

Additionally, Netanyahu appointed further members to the list, alongside the selected candidates. This strengthened the Likud team under Netanyahu's leadership, paving the way for a significant victory and the formation of a broad national government shortly after the elections.

Netanyahu leads the most right-wing government in Israeli history, having initiated a regional conflict with attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and other territories following the Hamas-led Oct 7, 2023 attack. As the first Israeli prime minister to face a criminal trial, Netanyahu denies the charges against him, including corruption, and has attempted to delay his trial due to his responsibilities as a wartime leader.

Furthermore, Netanyahu contends with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Israel's extensive offensive in Gaza, a claim he vehemently denies.