Journalist Akiva Novick Praises Likud Primary Results, Rejects Voting for Party
Israeli journalist Akiva Novick commented on the Likud party's primary election results on Tuesday evening, expressing a generally positive view of the chosen candidate list. He noted that the voters selected a relatively good list both for the party and the upcoming Knesset, highlighting that candidates who emphasized their achievements were rewarded, while those who relied on divisive rhetoric were pushed down the list. Novick identified Eli Cohen as the clear winner, praising his clean campaign and focus on accomplishments as energy and foreign minister, which earned him public recognition.
Novick criticized many incumbents who ran campaigns based on antagonism or shallow slogans, stating that such politicians received a "red card" from voters. He observed that those who stirred controversy on social media but lacked substantive achievements will likely not return to the next Knesset. He also pointed out the defeat of candidates associated with the "communist camp" within Likud, including Shason "Beytzim" Guetta and Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, suggesting their failure might be linked to their non-liberal stances.
Reflecting on the political culture, Novick expressed puzzlement over the allure of the Knesset role, attributing it to the prestige and influence it confers, which can become addictive. He remarked on the unusual public satisfaction at the political downfall of former Likud MK Idith Silman, noting that her career's end was celebrated across the political spectrum.
Novick concluded by commending Likud voters for decisively removing opportunistic figures like Silman, who he accused of hypocrisy and ideological flip-flopping. Despite his praise for the primary results, Novick stated he does not intend to vote for Likud in the upcoming elections. He expressed hope that the next Knesset will have more politicians focused on advancing their values rather than causing division, which he views as a positive development.
