Ran Baratz Reveals His Top Five Recommended Candidates for Likud Primaries

As the Likud party primaries approach, former National Information Directorate head Dr. Ran Baratz has entered the fray by publicly endorsing five candidates he strongly recommends for the party's primary ballot. In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), Baratz admitted the difficulty in selecting a full list of 12 candidates but emphasized his confidence in these five "bankers" who should succeed in any scenario. He explained his selection criteria, noting that while he respects other candidates, he excluded those he believes have little chance of winning, apologizing for this approach.

Baratz's recommended candidates are Knesset Member Amit Halevi, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Erez Tadmor, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Shikli, and Knesset Member Moshe Saada. His endorsement aims to guide Likud voters in making strategic choices ahead of the primaries, which are critical for shaping the party's future leadership and parliamentary list.

The primaries are generating intense competition among candidates seeking to secure their positions, with party members mobilizing support amid rising tensions within Likud. Baratz's public recommendations add a notable voice to the ongoing campaign dynamics as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.