Netanyahu Praises Likud Primary Results, Highlights New Faces and Unity Ahead of 2026 Elections

Prime Minister and Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong satisfaction with the results of the party's 2026 primary elections held on Tuesday. Netanyahu congratulated those elected to the new party list and emphasized the inclusion of fresh candidates in top positions, signaling a renewal within the Likud ranks. The party stated that the list will still undergo changes with reserved spots to be filled by Netanyahu, aiming to strengthen the slate further.

Netanyahu praised the party members who voted, saying they chose "with common sense and not through deals," underscoring the democratic nature of the process. He also acknowledged candidates who did not secure a spot on the list, expressing appreciation for their contributions and intentions to involve them in the party's efforts toward a broad national government after the elections.

The current list places Netanyahu at the top, followed by Eli Cohen in second place. The third spot is reserved, with Amir Ohana securing fourth place. Gideon Sa'ar is expected to take fifth, Israel Katz sixth, Yariv Levin seventh, and Miri Regev eighth. Other notable placements include Ofir Katz at tenth, Oren Dobronski eleventh, Yoav Kish twelfth, and Mickey Zohar thirteenth. Several other candidates fill subsequent slots, with additional reserved positions still to be assigned.

The Likud party highlighted that this refreshed list, combined with Netanyahu's reserved appointments, aims to prevent a left-wing government coalition involving Benny Gantz, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and Arab parties. The party projects this lineup will lead to a significant victory and the formation of a broad national government immediately following the elections.