Hadar Mukhtar Fights for Likud Knesset Spot, Seeks Netanyahu’s Support to Shorten Candidacy Waiting Period

Hadar Mukhtar is confident she will secure a place on the Likud party list for the upcoming Knesset elections, pending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to shorten the "Pazam" waiting period required to run in the party primaries. In an interview with Channel 7, Mukhtar emphasized that her campaign is about the fundamental right to compete, not about securing a guaranteed spot. She expressed trust that Netanyahu will grant her the opportunity to run, stating, "I will do everything I can to ensure Benjamin Netanyahu remains Israel’s next prime minister."

Over the past year, Mukhtar has dedicated herself to building grassroots support within Likud, engaging with party members and investing significant personal resources. She highlighted her unique appeal to young voters aged 18 to 25, a demographic she believes is currently unrepresented in the Knesset. Mukhtar noted that these young voters are more active on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram rather than traditional media, and she aims to bring their votes to Likud.

Mukhtar rejected rumors that she considered joining the Otzma Yehudit party, clarifying her loyalty to Likud despite close ties with Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir. She acknowledged internal opposition within Likud, including from some MKs and ministers, but said she remains undeterred. Mukhtar believes she can contribute one to two additional mandates to Likud, which could be decisive in securing a governing majority.

Regarding calls for a broad unity government after the elections, Mukhtar expressed skepticism, pointing out that such proposals often exclude key right-wing factions like Likud, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich. She concluded on an optimistic note, affirming her belief that she will enter the Knesset and represent a segment of the public whose voice is often unheard, potentially delivering crucial votes for Netanyahu’s Likud.