Almog Cohen Officially Joins Likud Primaries After Netanyahu Approves Training Period Reduction

Almog Cohen, Deputy Minister from Otzma Yehudit, officially announced on Wednesday his candidacy for the upcoming Likud primaries. This follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approval to shorten Cohen's mandatory training period (Pazam), enabling him to run. Cohen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving Israeli citizens and compete in the primaries, thanking Netanyahu for his trust and support.

Netanyahu welcomed Cohen into the Likud ranks, praising him as a dedicated fighter from the Negev who played a key role in advancing the Negev airport project and supported the decisive budget vote. Netanyahu acknowledged Cohen's contributions and commitment.

The decision to shorten Cohen's training period came after he missed the initial deadline to submit his candidacy independently, leaving open the possibility of party leadership intervention. In contrast, Hadar Mukhtar, another activist who sought similar approval, was denied, preventing her from running despite her confidence in attracting young voters and adding mandates to Likud's tally.

Alongside Cohen, other figures such as Minister Zeev Elkin, who returned from New Hope, and media personalities Dror Kafach, Eli Shitavi, Shay Kalach, and Loren Freinta have been confirmed by the Likud secretariat. The primaries are highly competitive, with about 40 current ministers and Knesset members vying for roughly 15 realistic spots on the list.

Netanyahu recently secured party approval to reserve eight candidates within the top 29 list positions, a move supported by 2,148 delegates against 1,220 opposing votes, underscoring the intense internal contest within Likud ahead of the elections.