Netanyahu Appoints Hadar Mukhtar as Head of Likud Youth Campaign

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Hadar Mukhtar as the head of the youth division in the Likud campaign, the party announced on Thursday. Mukhtar, 24, holds a master's degree in computer science, is a graduate of the elite Unit 8200 in the Israel Defense Forces, and is recognized as a prominent opinion leader. The Likud statement expressed confidence that she will significantly contribute to the campaign's success.

This appointment follows Mukhtar's decision not to run in the Likud primaries after Netanyahu declined to shorten her military service period, known as Paziam, which would have allowed her to compete. Earlier reports indicated she sought a spot on the Otzma Yehudit party list, but its chairman, Itamar Ben-Gvir, rejected her request. In response, Mukhtar reaffirmed her loyalty to Likud on her X (formerly Twitter) account, emphasizing her commitment to the party and its victory despite previous setbacks.

Mukhtar wrote, "The first thing I did after Likud refused to shorten my Paziam was to say everywhere that I am in Likud, that I am a supporter of Netanyahu, and that I will do everything I can to help Likud win." She added, "Again, after two years of work, when they didn't even let me run, I said again - I am in Likud. Say it again? Likud, Likud, Likud! Enough. You overdid it."