Netanyahu's candidate for the 'new woman' slot in Likud

Behind-the-scenes tensions are rising ahead of the primaries, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finalizes his list of recommended candidates. It has been learned that Netanyahu has decided to support Dr. Ruth Kabesa-Abramzon for the 'new woman' slot in Likud, just hours before polls open tomorrow morning.

Kabesa-Abramzon, a prominent figure on the right running for the first time for the prestigious 'new woman' slot—reserved for the 34th position on the list—is seen by Netanyahu as a refreshing addition. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that in recent hours, branch heads loyal to Netanyahu have begun, per instructions, to include Abramzon in their recommended lists while removing other contenders. She will face competition from David Bitan's candidate, Keren Bublil, and Osnat Zohar, who is close to Netanyahu but is expected to be offered a different role.

A total of 12 candidates have registered for the 'new woman' slot, but Netanyahu's direct challenge to Bitan's protégé has further sharpened the divide between the party's factions.

Kabesa-Abramzon is a doctor of management, born and raised in Hatzor HaGlilit. She began her career as a social activist, managing a community center during the Second Lebanon War. Following management failures during that conflict, she researched the link between the "crisis of values and the crisis of governance in Israel" and published a book on the subject. Until recently, she served as a lecturer at the University of Haifa, chair of the Forum for the Judaization of the Galilee, and a regular panelist on Channel 14.

MK Bitan and PM Netanyahu have been embroiled in political confrontations surrounding the primaries. Bitan has spoken out against initiatives by Netanyahu and his associates to alter the election method or expand reserved spots, arguing that such moves would severely damage the party. He has also presented counter-proposals to Netanyahu's demands for reserved spots on the Likud list and raised concerns regarding political maneuvers intended to reshape the party's composition.

Approximately 80 candidates are competing in tomorrow's Likud primaries for a spot on the party's list for the next Knesset, with results expected overnight. There are 17 seemingly realistic spots on the national list within the top 30, for which 31 incumbent Knesset members and ministers are competing. Only three of the eight incumbent women are likely to secure a realistic spot, meaning 14 current Knesset members and ministers will likely be leaving office.