Netanyahu Approves Shortened Training Period for Almog Cohen to Run in Likud Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a shortened training period (Pazam) for Deputy Minister Almog Cohen from Otzma Yehudit, enabling him to run in the upcoming Likud primaries. Cohen had missed the independent candidacy deadline but left open the possibility of a party chair exemption or shortened Pazam. In contrast, social activist Hadar Mukhtar, who also sought similar approval, was denied, preventing her from competing despite her confidence in attracting young voters and adding seats to Likud.

Alongside Cohen, the Likud secretariat confirmed other candidates receiving similar approvals, including Minister Ze'ev Elkin, who returned from New Hope, radio host Dror Kafach, Eli Shitavi (father of kidnapped soldier Idan), and others. This decision comes amid a heated primary contest where about 40 ministers and Knesset members vie for roughly 15 realistic spots on the list.

Netanyahu was granted authority at the party conference to reserve eight candidates up to the 29th spot on the list, passing with 2,148 votes in favor versus 1,220 against. Mukhtar described intense pressure during the decision period, stating she did not shower or sleep while awaiting Netanyahu's ruling but affirmed her respect for him remains unchanged.

Separately, the full text of Netanyahu's request to reserve Defense Minister Israel Katz a spot on the Likud list was revealed, citing "exceptional security circumstances" as justification. The request asks the party court to allow Katz to be placed anywhere on the list without participating in primaries, asserting his election is guaranteed even without campaigning.

Critics within Likud claim Netanyahu’s use of reserved spots aims to block MK Tali Gottlieb from entering the top ten, consolidating control over the list composition. Besides Katz, party chairman and Constitution Committee head Haim Katz is also expected to receive a reserved spot up to 18th place. Former New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar and his ally Michel Buskila are included in the reserved slots, bringing Netanyahu’s direct control over the list to ten places, bypassing the party membership vote.