Deputy Minister Almog Cohen Does Not Submit Candidacy for Likud Primaries

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen has not submitted his candidacy for the upcoming Likud party primaries, journalist Shalom Stein reports. This development raises questions within the political system about whether Cohen will receive a reserved spot on the Likud list or choose to run with another party.

This announcement comes just one day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud Secretariat Chairman Minister Haim Katz secured a significant victory at the party conference. The party's central committee approved three proposals, including granting Netanyahu the authority to reserve eight candidates within the top 29 list positions. This proposal passed with 2,148 votes in favor and 1,220 against. Political analysts believe some of these reserved spots could be used to form alliances with other right-wing parties such as Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism, Noam, and Zehut, or for personal reservations.

Additionally, a proposal to change the election regulations was approved by 2,181 votes to 1,193. However, a highly contentious proposal allowing current Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers to run in district slots passed by a narrow margin of just five votes (1,678 to 1,673). Due to the slim margin and disputes over vote counting, Likud expects the matter to be taken to the party's court. The court's decision could significantly impact many Knesset members' futures, as the eight reserved spots limit realistic list positions, and invalidating the district candidacy route could leave many without an effective path to run.

Likud stated that over 3,400 central committee members participated in the vote, representing nearly 75% of eligible voters, which the party says demonstrates strong grassroots support ahead of the upcoming elections.