Miri Regev Launches Attack on El Al and Party Rivals on Likud Primary Day

On the morning of the Likud party primaries on August 17, 2026, Transportation Minister Miri Regev openly confronted El Al Airlines, accusing them of trying to undermine her. She also criticized former senior party members, including Gadi Eisenkot, who left Likud, and defended the party’s reserved slots system. Regev emphasized her commitment to improving services for Israeli citizens, highlighting the role of low-cost carrier Wizz Air as part of that goal, and expressed confidence that most Likud members support her efforts.

During a radio interview on 103FM, Regev addressed a social media controversy involving a digitally altered photo of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wearing a suit and tie, created using artificial intelligence. She refused to apologize, explaining that AI is widely used in their digital campaign and asserting her close and warm relationship with Netanyahu, who has praised her as an energetic and effective minister.

Regev also shared a personal note of excitement about her daughter's recent engagement. The primary day tensions reflect ongoing internal struggles within Likud as members vie for influence ahead of upcoming elections.