Almog Cohen Enters Likud Primaries After Netanyahu Approves Seniority Waiver

Member of Knesset Almog Cohen announced on Wednesday that he will run in the Likud party primaries. This decision follows a special approval from Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, who granted Cohen a waiver to shorten the required seniority period in the party's rules, allowing him to bypass the usual waiting time.

In a joint video released by the two, Netanyahu praised Cohen as a "fighter and man of the Negev," highlighting his efforts to establish an airport in the Negev and his decisive support for passing the state budget. Cohen expressed gratitude to Netanyahu and declared, "With God's help, victory for the camp under your leadership."

The seniority waiver was also granted to three other candidates: Ze'ev Elkin, Shay Kleach, and Dror Kafach. However, Hadar Mukhtar's request for the waiver was denied, leaving her out of the race. The Likud party's seniority waiver mechanism enables new candidates to join the primaries without waiting the usual required period as regular party members.

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen said about his candidacy, "I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you, citizens of Israel, and to compete in the Likud primaries. I am confident that just as I stood by you in good times and bad, you will stand by me. I thank Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the trust and shared path. In God's name, we will act and succeed."