Almog Cohen Threatens to Lead New Party if Not Secured a Spot on Likud List

Almog Cohen, Deputy Minister from Otzma Yehudit, issued a dramatic ultimatum to the Likud party during a live broadcast on Channel 14. Cohen expressed his desire to join the Likud electoral list but did not rule out the possibility of founding a new party and leading it if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decides not to reserve a spot for him. When asked by Yoav Golan whether he would consider establishing a new party if denied a reserved slot, Cohen replied, "It could be, yes."

Cohen's political rise has largely been outside the Likud framework, and his entry into the discussion about reserved slots reflects Netanyahu's efforts to incorporate influential figures from outside the party to enhance the electoral appeal of the Likud list. The issue of reserved spots has been a contentious topic in Israeli politics, with Netanyahu trying to balance maintaining the party's democratic candidate selection process with the strategic need to include prominent public figures.

The battle over these reserved slots is highly personal and significant, as it not only shapes the composition of the Knesset faction but also signals the Likud leadership's electoral strategy to voters. Cohen's statement highlights the ongoing tension within the party as it prepares for the 2026 elections.