Netanyahu Unveils Likud List, Pledges to Defeat Iranian Regime

The Likud party officially submitted its list of 35 candidates for the upcoming October 27 legislative elections just hours before the Central Elections Committee deadline. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will lead the slate, followed by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev. While most candidates were selected through party primaries last month, Netanyahu directly appointed nine individuals to specific spots. These appointments include Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and Haim Katz, along with six new figures presented by Netanyahu: Talik Gvili, Yaakov Bardugo, Elisha Madan, David Peter, Eli Goldschmidt, and Itzik Bonzel.

At an event in Jerusalem to introduce the new candidates, Netanyahu framed the election campaign around security and confronting Iran. He presented voters with a choice between "a strong national government" and "a narrow left-wing government with Arab parties." Reflecting on his government's record, he stated, "We have changed the face of the Middle East. We have crushed the Iranian axis. One task remains: to defeat the Iranian regime."

Netanyahu further asserted that the Iranian regime "will fall," contrasting his camp with that of Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party. He accused Eisenkot's party of wanting to "surrender and leave Gaza." Current polls place Likud at approximately 23 seats, neck and neck with Yashar, which has surpassed Likud in several recent surveys. The outgoing Knesset has 32 Likud members, making it the largest faction.

The Likud list notably features limited female representation, with only four women among the 35 candidates: Miri Regev, Talik Gvili, Etty Atia, and Gila Gamliel. In contrast, several opposition parties, including Yashar, Democrats, and Yisrael Beiteinu, have presented gender-balanced lists.

A last-minute change may have occurred regarding retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi. Initially announced as one of Netanyahu's appointees, he reportedly withdrew his candidacy to allow incumbent MK Avichay Buaron to retain his place on the list, though Likud has not officially confirmed this.