Netanyahu Likud Primary Endorsements: Preferred Candidates

As Likud's primary election approaches, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's preferences among the candidates are coming into focus. According to a report by Yinon Magal, Netanyahu has released public endorsement videos for just four contenders, but those in his inner circle indicate he has a broader list of names he hopes will secure high positions on the party slate.

In the Dan-Tel Aviv district, Netanyahu appeared alongside attorney Shlomo Lerner, chairman of the Reservists Forum. In the Jerusalem district, he endorsed Erez Tadmor, while in the Galilee and Valleys district he was photographed with Shuki Ochana.

The fourth candidate to receive a video endorsement from the prime minister is MK Almog Cohen, who is running on the national list.

Sources close to Netanyahu told Magal that in the district races, he is backing candidates running against allies of MK David Bitan. Beyond the district battles, the prime minister also has preferences for other slots and positions on the national list.

In the contest for the new women's slot, Netanyahu favors the candidacy of Asnat Zahar, though the report suggests he actually prefers Dr. Ruth Kavsa-Abramzon.

On the national list, aside from senior Knesset members who don't require his assistance, Netanyahu wants to advance Amit Halevi, Idit Silman, and Ariel Kellner. His associates added that he wishes to see Miri Regev elected as the first woman on the Likud list.

Another name Netanyahu would be pleased to see succeed in the national race is Avichai Boaron.

Alongside the candidates he seeks to strengthen, Netanyahu is also monitoring the campaign of Tally Gotliv. According to Magal, the possibility that Gotliv might achieve too strong a showing concerns the prime minister.

However, Netanyahu does not intend to intervene in the race, work against Gottliv, or attempt to undermine her success in the primary.

The four videos released so far represent the public support Netanyahu has chosen to grant. His other reported preferences have not yet received similar expression, but according to his associates, they reflect the composition of the list he hopes to see emerge after the primary.