Right-Wing Activist Yigal Malka Clarifies Netanyahu's Stance Amid Likud Primaries Turmoil

Yigal Malka, a prominent right-wing activist and chairman of the "Jewish Majority Movement to Preserve the Jewish State," spoke to Channel 7 about the ongoing Likud primaries and the internal conflicts surrounding the party list composition. He addressed rumors about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's support for various candidates, including Dr. Ruth Kabsa Avramzon, who is competing for the new women's slot against Osnat Zoher. Malka said that senior Netanyahu advisors denied knowledge of any official endorsement but did not rule out the possibility that Netanyahu might be quietly backing a candidate without public announcement.

Malka also discussed the controversy over MK Tali Gottlieb's position on the list, noting that Likud voters strongly support her regardless of opposition from senior party figures. He emphasized that the primaries will test the power of organized political deals against the free vote of party members, warning that some actors prefer weaker ideological voices to facilitate a broad coalition government after the elections.

Regarding candidate Erez Tadmor, Malka praised him as a clean, independent figure outside the party's internal deal-making, representing the younger generation and articulating the voters' voice effectively. However, Malka refrained from publicly endorsing specific candidates, urging voters to assess candidates' long-term commitment rather than short-term media exposure.

On the subject of Netanyahu's reserved slots on the list, Malka stated that their purpose is to introduce fresh faces rather than protect underperforming incumbents. He dismissed reports suggesting Netanyahu might resign before the elections, calling such claims baseless and urging focus on the primaries first.