Netanyahu Appoints Hadar Mukhtar as Head of Likud Youth Campaign

Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Hadar Mukhtar as head of the youth campaign for Likud ahead of the upcoming elections. Mukhtar, 24, holds a master's degree in computer science, is a former member of the elite Unit 8200 in the IDF, and is recognized as a youth opinion leader. The appointment comes two weeks after Netanyahu blocked her from running in the party primaries due to her late registration and lack of required seniority, a decision that sparked controversy within the party.

Mukhtar had sought to participate in the Likud primaries but was denied special approval by Netanyahu. Attempts to join other right-wing parties also failed, including a rejection from Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, who expressed respect for her but advised her to gain more parliamentary experience before entering politics. Despite these setbacks, Mukhtar stated on Instagram that she is not leaving politics and is returning "bigger, better, and stronger," quoting Donald Trump.

Her new role is seen as a way for Netanyahu to harness her appeal among young voters. Reports indicated that after her exclusion from the primaries, political actors considered reserving her a spot on a right-wing list due to her potential to attract youth support. Mukhtar previously founded the "Burning Youth" party and garnered several thousand votes in past elections.

This appointment is part of a broader campaign preparation by Netanyahu, who recently appointed 27-year-old Neta Molcho, a former IDF spokesperson and coalition chairman's chief of staff, as Likud campaign spokesperson. Likud officials expressed confidence that Mukhtar's experience and connection with young voters will significantly benefit the party's election efforts.