Hadar Mukhtar Appeals to Netanyahu for Permission to Run in Likud Primaries

Hadar Mukhtar is awaiting a critical decision expected on Tuesday regarding whether her candidacy for the Likud party list in the upcoming elections will be approved. Mukhtar does not meet the party's formal eligibility criteria, so she requires an exceptional approval from Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu to run. In an interview with 103fm, Mukhtar expressed intense stress over the situation, revealing she has barely slept or eaten in three days and emphasizing that nothing is finalized yet.

Mukhtar clarified she is not seeking any special treatment beyond the basic democratic right to compete and represent voters. She stated, "I am not asking for a reserved spot on any party list. I just want the right to run and receive the voters' mandate." She also mentioned facing opposition pressures, including from current Knesset members and ministers, despite having invested a year of work and significant personal funds into her campaign.

Acknowledging the possibility that her request might be denied, Mukhtar affirmed her continued support and admiration for Netanyahu, calling his leadership crucial for Israel's future. Toward the interview's end, she made a direct emotional appeal to Netanyahu, saying, "This is the most important day of my life. I have worked two years for this. I can bring you two mandates, one and a half mandates from young people to Likud. I am ready to work." She concluded by asking Netanyahu to grant her the opportunity to run and let the voters decide.

The decision on Mukhtar's candidacy will significantly impact her political future and the composition of the Likud list for the upcoming elections.