{
  "id": 1680045,
  "title": "In a weakened position, Israeli PM's Likud picks candidates for October election",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/in-a-weakened-position-israeli-pms-likud-picks-candidates-for-october",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T09:11:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/08/1513851/weakened-position-israeli-pms-likud-picks-candidates-october-election"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "TEL AVIV: Likud party members voted on Monday to select their candidates for Israel's October 27 general election, with the right-wing party currently in a tight race. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been in power for the longest time, is facing a weakened position. He has faced criticism for his controversial judicial reforms and subsequent military actions across the Middle East since Hamas's attack on October 7. Polls indicate Likud's parliamentary seats might decrease from 32 to as low as 22. During Monday's primary voting, Likud's 140,000 members picked their candidates. Netanyahu set aside around 10 spots for his preferences, a move described by local media as an effort to surround himself with loyalists. Avi, a longtime Likud member, criticized the decision, stating it was undemocratic and destroying the party. Elie Cohen, a 79-year-old committee member, disagreed and believed Netanyahu was entrusted with a divine mission. Two dedicated activists supported Netanyahu's management of the party, expressing optimism for new, motivated individuals joining the ranks. Many religious Jews, including the ultra-Orthodox and mostly men, attended the primary voting, many having joined Likud in recent years to protect their interests. Despite party officials, including several ministers, campaigning alongside candidates unknown to voters, the final count showed a 53% turnout, an increase of 10% compared to the previous primary in 2022.",
  "summary": "TEL AVIV: Likud members voted Monday to choose their candidates for Israel’s Oct 27 general election, in which the right-wing party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tight race.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}