Netanyahu Welcomes Cancer Researcher to Likud Party

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the newest addition to the Likud party, Dr. Keren Assaf, a breast cancer researcher and Israeli academic. Netanyahu shared a video on his X account, formerly Twitter, introducing Assaf and welcoming her to the party. Assaf, niece of entertainers Meni and Shalom Assaf, has previously gained attention for alleging academic discrimination due to her public support for Netanyahu and the government. She also delivered a speech at a rally supporting the judicial overhaul, discussing her political views and the perceived personal cost.

Assaf's recruitment follows recent reports that Netanyahu was considering her for the party. Previous reports indicated that Netanyahu had met with her to explore the possibility of securing a spot for her on the Likud's electoral list. However, Assaf is not expected to serve as a Member of Knesset. Instead, recent publications suggest she is slated for a "senior executive role in the field of higher education."

Netanyahu has presented Assaf as part of a group of new recruits to Likud, emphasizing her academic and research background as central to her planned involvement in party activities.