Netanyahu Launches Likud Campaign Amidst Party Absences and Political Attacks

The Likud party launched its election campaign with a central event where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented government achievements and outlined future plans. However, the event was overshadowed by the absence of senior party members and ongoing political and security tensions. Netanyahu emphasized the diplomatic and security moves of recent years, stating, "We have changed the face of the Middle East, and we will yet change the face of the Middle East!"

Despite the event's importance, attendance was notably sparse among some Likud lawmakers. Among those absent were ministers and Knesset members including Haim Katz, Avi Dichter, Idit Silman, May Golan, David Bitan, Hanoch Milwidsky, Shashi Gota, Eli Dalal, and Keti Shitrit.

Netanyahu also addressed the political competition from the right, warning voters against supporting parties that might transfer votes to Avigdor Lieberman, aiming to prevent a potential loss of mandates to a new list led by Yoni Winter. Simultaneously, it was reported that the Prime Minister postponed a work meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. This meeting was scheduled to discuss critical force-building issues, particularly the IDF's request for an increased budget for procurement, equipment, and ammunition stockpiles.

During the campaign launch, the Prime Minister's campaign team surprised him on stage with a large pager cake, marking two years since the "Pager Operation."