Netanyahu and Wife Vote in Likud Primaries, Urge Members to Support Right-Wing List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, voted Monday in the Likud party primaries at the Binyanei HaUma polling station in Jerusalem. Netanyahu cast his ballot after meeting with Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Following his vote, Netanyahu urged Likud members to participate actively, emphasizing the importance of forming a strong list to secure victory for Likud and the right-wing bloc in the upcoming elections.

As of the latest count, over 34,500 Likud members, about 26.4% of the 140,000 eligible voters, have voted, marking a turnout higher than previous primaries at the same time. Turnout in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem was notably high. The primaries are highly competitive, with 124 candidates vying for roughly 15 realistic Knesset spots. Netanyahu controls eight reserved slots on the list and has endorsed several candidates, including Miri Regev and Idit Silman, aiming to secure female representation, sometimes at the expense of incumbent Tali Gottlieb.

Gottlieb has accused the party of placing ballots without her name at some polling stations, calling for vigilance among voters. She is also under scrutiny due to reports of potential talks with Itamar Ben-Gvir's party, which Netanyahu reportedly found concerning but chose not to intervene in the primaries. Meanwhile, last-minute withdrawals and endorsements have shifted dynamics, such as Yehonatan Yosef, grandson of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, withdrawing in Jerusalem and endorsing Yair Gabay.

The final hours of voting saw candidates intensify efforts to mobilize support through personal appeals and social media. Key figures like Deputy Speaker Nissim Vaturi and coalition chairman Ofir Katz publicly encouraged voters. The fate of several veteran Likud MKs, including Boaz Bismuth and Amichai Shikli, remains uncertain amid fears they may be pushed off the list. The results will reveal whether Likud undergoes the significant reshuffle anticipated by some party insiders.