Eli Cohen Leads Likud Primaries as Nir Barkat Battles for Realistic Spot

After counting about 70% of the votes at Bloomfield Stadium in Jaffa, a surprising top five has emerged in the Likud primaries, led by Minister Eli Cohen, followed by Minister Yariv Levin, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Minister Miri Regev, and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz. The final results are expected later this morning, but the current standings highlight a fierce contest for the realistic slots on the party list, with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s reserved spots limiting the last realistic national slot to number 15.

Minister Miri Regev secured the fourth place as the highest-ranking woman, while Ofir Katz is fifth. Other notable placements include Minister Yoav Kisch in sixth, Minister Miki Zohar seventh, and first-time primary candidate MK Almog Cohen eighth. The top ten is rounded out by Ministers Dudi Amsalem and Amichai Shikli. MK Moshe Saada leads the second ten at 11th place.

One of the biggest surprises is MK Tali Gottlieb falling to 12th place, despite previously leading in polls. Sources say Netanyahu quietly worked to push her into the second ten, fearing she might weaken Likud’s power. Minister Shlomo Karhi is 13th, MK David Bitan 14th, and Minister Nir Barkat, who is also under pressure from Netanyahu’s office, holds the 15th spot, the last likely realistic slot given Likud’s expected 23 seats.

Several incumbents are at risk of losing their seats, including MK Boaz Bismuth and Minister Gila Gamliel, while Ministers Avi Dichter, Idit Silman, and May Golan, as well as MKs Hanoch Milwiczky, Keti Shitrit, Avichai Boaron, and Nissim Vaturi, are expected to be out. During voting, complaints arose about some members not appearing on the voter list despite renewing membership fees, potentially affecting final results. Voter turnout reached approximately 53.5%, a 10% increase from previous primaries, indicating strong engagement among Likud members. Final results and any appeals will be completed and announced later today, maintaining tension among candidates fighting for the last realistic spots on the list.