Netanyahu Unveils New Likud Knesset Candidates, Frames Election as Crucial Choice

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the "armored" candidates for the Likud party's list for the 26th Knesset, framing the upcoming election as a critical juncture for Israel's future. He positioned the choice as between a strong, broad national government under his leadership and a weak left-wing government led by Benny Gantz, which he claimed would rely on Arab parties.

Netanyahu highlighted perceived achievements in the ongoing war, including reshaping the Middle East and crushing the "Iranian axis," but stressed that the mission is incomplete. He vowed to "decisively defeat the Iranian regime, it will fall" and to "finally eliminate Hezbollah and Hamas."

The new additions to the Likud list include figures from security, technology, and society. Oren Dobronsky, a senior figure in the high-tech industry, was named to lead the national AI project. Dr. Keren Assaig, a cancer researcher, will take on an executive role in higher education. Former Brigadier General Amir Avivi, chairman of the "Bishvileihem" (For Their Sake) movement, was tasked with internal governance, which Netanyahu described as a critical security mission.

Other notable candidates presented include Tali Guili, mother of a fallen officer; Itzik Bonzel, father of a fallen soldier; and hero Eliyahu Medan. Also joining the list are attorney David Peter, described as a "brave fighter for justice," media personality Yaakov Bardugo, representing the national camp in media, and Eli Goldschmidt, a former senior figure in the Labor party representing a "generation of awakening."

Netanyahu expressed pride in the new team, stating they represent the determination uniting the nation, and confidently declared, "We are on the way to a great victory."