Right-Wing Activist Hadar Mukhtar Responds to Netanyahu's Rejection in Likud Primaries

Hadar Mukhtar, a right-wing activist, revealed her disappointment after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied her request for a shortened party membership period (pazam) needed to run in the Likud party primaries held on May 11, 2026. Mukhtar had spent two years campaigning and sought to join the Knesset through the primaries but was ultimately not granted the exemption despite multiple appeals to Netanyahu. Following the decision, Mukhtar took a short break and traveled to Georgia to regroup, as she felt devastated by the outcome.

In a video posted on her Instagram on Wednesday, Mukhtar addressed her supporters for the first time since the setback. She said, "Everything is fine. We took a hit, but I took a few days off to reset. I'm back and, as Donald Trump said, we returned bigger, better, and stronger." She emphasized that she has no intention of withdrawing from politics and vowed to continue working hard to represent Israel's younger generation and serve the nation.

Mukhtar thanked her supporters and reaffirmed her commitment to moving forward despite the disappointment. Her spokesperson explained that Mukhtar was confident she would receive the pazam to participate in the primaries but was deeply saddened by Netanyahu's refusal. Feeling unable to remain in Israel during the primaries without the chance to compete, she chose to temporarily leave the country.

This episode highlights internal challenges within the Likud party and the difficulties new activists face in gaining political footholds despite strong grassroots efforts. Mukhtar's determination to remain active suggests she will continue to seek political influence in the future.