Likud Primaries Highlight Three Key Winners: Eli Cohen, Almog Cohen, and Ofir Katz

The recent Likud party primaries produced several notable winners, with three candidates standing out prominently: Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, and Deputy Minister Almog Cohen. Each secured significant positions on the party's list for the upcoming Knesset elections, despite starting from different political standings.

Eli Cohen topped the national list, securing the second spot overall on the Likud list, just after party leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Cohen outperformed senior party figures including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev.

Ofir Katz, who is not a minister, achieved a remarkable leap by finishing fifth in the national primaries, surpassing several veteran ministers. This result guarantees him the tenth position on the final party list.

The biggest surprise was Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, who announced his candidacy only days before the primaries after receiving a shortened eligibility period from party members. Previously elected to the Knesset with Otzma Yehudit, Almog Cohen chose to run in the Likud primaries without a reserved spot. Despite the short notice and it being his first Likud primary, he secured eighth place, placing him 14th on the final list and marking him as a clear winner of the night.

These results reflect a reshuffling within the Likud party ahead of the 2026 elections, with fresh faces and rising politicians gaining prominence alongside established leaders. Prime Minister Netanyahu responded positively to the primary outcomes, signaling party unity moving forward.