Likud MK Almog Cohen Distances From Otzma Yehudit Ahead of Primaries
Ahead of the Likud primaries scheduled for Monday, several Likud Knesset members participated in Walla's election questionnaire, which assesses candidates' alignment with various political and social issues. Almog Cohen, a deputy minister and recent addition to Likud, expressed strong support for the continuation of fighting Hamas until its defeat, the death penalty for terrorists, and expanding settlements in the West Bank, Negev, and Galilee. He opposed the cancellation of the Nation-State Law and rejected Arab parties joining the coalition. Cohen gave neutral answers on ultra-Orthodox enlistment and consideration of the U.S. president in security decisions. When asked about his previous party, Otzma Yehudit, Cohen said with a smile that he was distanced from it but would still vote to save the government.
Other Likud MKs also shared their views: Avichai Boaron strongly supported continued fighting in Gaza, the death penalty for terrorists, and opposed any peace agreement with Palestinians, calling for dismantling the Palestinian Authority. He saw no conflict between Jewish values and democracy. Boaron's questionnaire results showed 90% alignment with Likud and surprisingly 84% with Naftali Bennett's "Together" party, though he dismissed the latter as inaccurate.
Ariel Kallner took firm stances against Arab parties in the coalition, supported the death penalty, opposed canceling the Nation-State Law, and favored drafting young ultra-Orthodox men not studying Torah. He showed 97% alignment with Likud.
Shasson (Shashi) Guetta gave some unexpected answers, supporting civil marriage in Israel and opposing ultra-Orthodox enlistment without exemptions. He firmly rejected Arab parties in the coalition and a two-state solution, supporting the death penalty and ongoing Gaza conflict. His results showed Likud as the best fit for his views.
The questionnaire highlighted the ideological positions of Likud candidates on key issues such as security, religion, and governance ahead of the party's primaries. Voters can also use Walla's tool to find their best party match before the elections.
