Netanyahu Congratulates Top Likud Figures After Primary Victory, Focuses on Upcoming Elections

Following the conclusion of the Likud party primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of congratulatory calls with senior party members who secured top positions on the list. Among those he spoke with were Eli Cohen, who won the primaries by a large margin, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Cabinet Minister Miri Regev. Netanyahu praised their achievements and emphasized the importance of their roles in securing victory for Likud and the right-wing bloc in the upcoming elections.

Netanyahu specifically congratulated Eli Cohen on his decisive win and discussed their joint commitment to the party's success. He also acknowledged Amir Ohana’s strong performance, who placed second with nearly 43,000 votes, and Yariv Levin’s third-place finish. Miri Regev, the highest-ranking woman on the list, was commended for her efforts and contribution to the party’s progress. Regev responded by stressing the need to intensify efforts for Likud’s electoral success.

The primaries also reflected political shifts within Likud, with Netanyahu’s allies gaining ground. Notably, David Bitan, who had recently opposed Netanyahu on several issues, was relegated to the 23rd spot, and Nir Barkat was placed 24th. Tali Gottlieb, who was under pressure to secure a high ranking, ultimately finished 12th in the nationwide vote, positioning her 20th on the party list. Likud officials reported that Netanyahu was very satisfied with the primary results and the composition of the candidate list, setting the stage for the party’s campaign ahead of the general elections.