Hadar Mukhtar Breaks Silence, Affirms Support for Netanyahu After Likud Primary Snub

Hadar Mukhtar responded publicly for the first time after being barred from running in the Likud primaries due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to grant her a shortened party membership period (Pazam). Despite her disappointment, Mukhtar emphasized her continued support for Netanyahu, stating, "Thank you all for the love and support. I am here to stay. I support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu." Earlier this week, Shahar, Mukhtar's former spokesperson and advisor, explained that Mukhtar had expected to receive the shortened Pazam, which would have allowed her to compete for a Knesset seat in the Likud primaries. He noted that Mukhtar had worked for two years preparing for the race and even traveled to Georgia during the primaries. Shahar suggested that Mukhtar would have secured a high spot on the Likud list had she been allowed to run. He also alleged that some party candidates and officials actively sought to prevent her candidacy, including a "planned campaign of defamation by rival candidates, Knesset members, and ministers," though he did not provide specific details about these claims. Mukhtar's statement and Shahar's comments highlight internal party tensions ahead of the elections and underscore her ongoing loyalty to Netanyahu despite the setback.