Likud Primaries Conclude With Eli Cohen Leading, Opposition Criticizes New List

The Likud party finalized its primary election results on Tuesday, with Eli Cohen securing the top spot with over 46,000 votes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, praising the new list as a blend of renewal and fresh leadership, and thanked party members for voting based on merit rather than deals. Netanyahu also promised to integrate candidates who did not make the list into the party's efforts ahead of the general elections.

Amir Ohana and Yariv Levin placed second and third respectively, both interpreting their results as strong public endorsements. Ohana emphasized his commitment to representing the people's voice, while Levin highlighted the mandate to continue judicial reforms. Other notable winners included Yoav Kish, who aims to remain Minister of Education, and Boaz Bismuth, who narrowly surpassed David Bitan by 16 votes, marking a significant advancement compared to previous primaries.

Several candidates reported challenges during the campaign. Tali Gottlieb claimed attempts by Netanyahu's circle to undermine her, asserting she has strong grassroots support and expressing her ambition to be appointed Minister of Justice. Shlomo Karai also mentioned facing smear campaigns but remained undeterred. On the other hand, Hanoch Milwitsky accepted his defeat gracefully, wishing success to the elected team.

The opposition reacted sharply to the new Likud list. Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yisrael party, condemned it as a "list of the October Seven," blaming them for leading Israel into its worst national disaster and calling for change. Yair Golan of the Democratic Party sarcastically congratulated Likud on a list he described as composed of criminals and controversial figures, predicting their electoral defeat. Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu focused on criticizing the alliance between Likud and ultra-Orthodox parties, urging true Likud voters to support him instead.

These reactions followed the completion of vote counting and the establishment of the new Likud list, subject to reserved slots and regional placements, setting the stage for the upcoming national elections.