Netanyahu Shortens Almog Cohen's Waiting Period to Secure Likud List Spot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially shortened the waiting period (Pazam) for Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, clearing the way for Cohen to join the Likud party list for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. This move, which falls under Netanyahu's exclusive authority, allows candidates who were not party members during the required qualification period to run on the party list.

The decision follows a report by C-14 revealing Netanyahu's intention to reward Cohen for his loyalty during critical coalition votes. Specifically, Cohen broke party discipline by voting with the coalition on budget amendments when the Otzma Yehudit faction boycotted the vote, helping secure the necessary majority. This occurred during a sensitive time when Netanyahu had just returned to the Knesset after complex medical treatment and another coalition member was absent due to mourning.

After this event, Cohen left Otzma Yehudit and was appointed Deputy Minister by Netanyahu, maintaining close ties since. Now, Cohen faces two options: to be placed on one of the realistic reserved slots approved by the Likud convention or to compete independently in the upcoming primaries scheduled for next week.

Prior to this development, Cohen had engaged in talks with the "Zehoot" party led by Moshe Feiglin and Michael Ben Ari about a joint run, but his political future now appears firmly within Likud. A senior Likud official confirmed Cohen will be part of the party's list for the next Knesset.

This strategic move also involved sidelining Tal Gottlieb and was kept confidential until now, highlighting the internal party negotiations shaping the reserved slots on the Likud list.