Israel's ruling Likud party has published its final candidate list for the upcoming parliamentary elections, concluding a turbulent selection process marked by internal disputes and eleventh-hour adjustments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The 35-candidate slate, released Tuesday, includes several protected slots secured by Netanyahu in recent weeks. The list features a mix of veteran lawmakers and newer faces, with the prime minister heading the ticket as party chairman.
The top positions include Deputy Prime Minister Eli Cohen in second place, followed by Justice Minister Amir Ohana, Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev. Foreign Minister Israel Katz holds the sixth spot, while former opposition leader Gideon Sa'ar, who rejoined Likud after years away, secured seventh place.
Notable inclusions are Yaakov Bardogo at number 11 and Eli Goldschmidt at number 26, both benefiting from Netanyahu's final protective measures. The list also features prominent current ministers including Ofir Katz (8th), Yoav Kish (10th), and Micky Zohar (12th).
Former Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat appears at 24th place, while veteran politician Ze'ev Elkin lands at 32nd. The roster concludes with Avihai Buaron in the 35th position.
The finalized list represents the culmination of a contentious primary process within Israel's largest political party, setting the stage for the next electoral contest.
