Netanyahu Endorses Asnat Zohar for New Female Slot in Likud Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly endorsed Asnat Zohar as the candidate for the new female slot in the Likud party primaries. Netanyahu praised Zohar for her years of dedicated work on behalf of Likud and himself, expressing hope to see her continue her political activity in the Knesset. The endorsement came as the Likud primaries commenced nationwide, with polling stations open from Eilat to Kiryat Shmona until 9 p.m. Approximately 140,000 registered Likud members are voting to determine the party's list for the upcoming elections, choosing among 124 candidates, 79 on the national list and 45 in regional districts.

Due to the crowded field and reserved slots, the real competition is for about 15 realistic positions on the list. Netanyahu holds the authority to assign eight reserved slots in key list positions (3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 29), in addition to a reserved slot for Defense Minister Israel Katz. While Netanyahu refrained from broad endorsements, he officially supported Knesset member Almog Cohen and regional candidates Erez Tadmor and attorney Shlomo Lerner.