Over 14,000 Vote in Likud Primaries Amid Fraud Claims and Candidate Withdrawal

The Likud party primaries are underway, with 14,307 members having voted by midday Monday, representing 10.07% of eligible voters. This turnout surpasses the comparable period in the 2022 primaries, which saw 12,339 votes cast. Jerusalem recorded the highest voter turnout, with 564 ballots submitted by 12:15 PM. Polling stations opened at 10:00 AM and will close at 9:00 PM.

During the voting, Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb alleged the presence of fraudulent ballots lacking her name at some polling stations, urging voters to remain vigilant and warning that any ballot with a forged form would be invalidated. Meanwhile, Yoni Yosef, grandson of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and former Jerusalem city council member, withdrew his candidacy and endorsed attorney Yair Gabay, who is running in the Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Shfela district.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly expressed support for Asnat Zohar, a candidate competing for the new women's slot in the primaries. Netanyahu praised Zohar's longstanding work for Likud and his personal backing of her continued parliamentary activity. Zohar faces competition from Dr. Ruth Kabsa Avramzon and Keren Bublil in this race.

The primaries feature 34 current and former ministers and Knesset members among dozens of candidates. Eligible voters may cast ballots at any polling center nationwide. Voters must select exactly 12 candidates on the national list and one candidate in their respective district. Current and former ministers and Knesset members require special approval to run in districts or sectors.

The primaries are a critical step in shaping Likud's candidate list ahead of upcoming elections, with internal competition and allegations of irregularities highlighting the stakes involved.