Netanyahu Launches Likud Campaign Amidst Senior Party Absences

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 several 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 sparse among some Likud lawmakers. Among the ministers and Knesset members who did not attend were Haim Katz, Avi Dichter, Idit Silman, May Golan, David Bitan, Hanoch Milwidsky, Shashi Gota, Eli Dallal, and Keti Shitrit. Netanyahu addressed the political competition from the right, warning voters, "It is forbidden to vote for a party that will transfer votes to Lieberman," in an apparent effort to prevent a potential loss of mandates to a new list led by Winter.

Netanyahu also took a jab at Gadi Eisenkot, remarking, "In these elections, there is only right or left, there is no straight," referencing the name of Eisenkot's party. Concurrently with the political event, it was reported that the Prime Minister postponed a working meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. The meeting was scheduled to discuss critical issues of force buildup, particularly the IDF's demand for an increased budget for procurement, equipping, and replenishing ammunition and combat gear.

During the event, the Prime Minister's campaign team surprised him on stage with a large "beeper cake" to mark the second anniversary of the "Beeper Operation."