Full coverage· Politics· Updated 12 Aug, 11:44

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen Joins Likud, Announces Primary Bid

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, formerly of Otzma Yehudit, announced his bid in the Likud primaries after receiving Prime Minister Netanyahu's endorsement and a shortened waiting period.

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Deputy Minister Almog Cohen Joins Likud, Announces Primary Bid — Illustration by baba

What happened

01Deputy Minister Almog Cohen announces Likud primary candidacy after leaving Otzma Yehudit.
02Prime Minister Netanyahu endorses Cohen, granting him a shortened waiting period to join Likud.
03Cohen helped resolve a coalition crisis involving Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in April 2025.
04He resigned from Knesset under Norwegian Law and became Deputy Minister in the PM's Office.
05Cohen is a former commando and Negev resident advocating for a new airport there.
06He has publicly discussed his post-traumatic stress and encourages mental health treatment.

Cohen, praised for his role in resolving a coalition crisis and his service as a commando, has openly addressed his mental health challenges. His move reflects a political realignment within Israel's right-wing ahead of elections.