Hadar Mukhtar Leaves Israel for Georgia After Being Denied Primary Election Eligibility in Likud

Hadar Mukhtar traveled to Georgia after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided not to shorten her required party membership period, preventing her from running in the Likud primaries. Mukhtar's close advisor and former spokesperson, Shahar, expressed deep disappointment over the decision, stating that Mukhtar had worked tirelessly for two years to compete for a Knesset seat and was confident she would receive the eligibility waiver. Shahar claimed Mukhtar's world "fell apart" upon hearing the news and that she could not remain in Israel while the primaries took place without her participation.

Shahar further alleged that internal party rivals, including Knesset members and ministers, orchestrated a campaign to block Mukhtar's candidacy out of jealousy, particularly highlighting what he described as "women's envy" within Likud. He suggested that had Mukhtar been allowed to run, she would have secured a high position on the party list and entered the Knesset. Shahar also hinted at additional undisclosed efforts to undermine Mukhtar's path but did not provide further details.

The controversy underscores internal tensions within Likud ahead of the primaries and raises questions about the party's candidate selection process and the influence of senior figures in shaping the electoral field. Mukhtar's departure to Georgia symbolizes her protest and personal distress over the decision that effectively barred her from competing.