Likud primary exit poll: The big winners and the defeat of the veterans
With polls closing at a 53% turnout, the initial exit poll reveals a new power map in the party. While young candidates are recording impressive achievements, a series of ministers and senior Knesset members have been left out.
Political drama in Likud: With the closing of the polls in the 2026 primaries, in which a 53% turnout was recorded, an initial exit poll reveals a shake-up in the party's leadership.
According to the exit poll conducted by the DRI institute, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana captured the first place on the list, followed by Yariv Levin and Eli Cohen. The big surprise of the evening belongs to MK Almog Cohen, who jumped to fourth place, while Moshe Saada closes the top five.
Also serving in the top ten are Miri Regev, Boaz Bismuth, Tali Gottlieb, Amichai Chikli, and Ofir Katz. On the other hand, the exit poll presents a dramatic defeat for some of the most senior and well-known names in the party. Minister David Amsalem dropped to only 21st place, Minister May Golan was ranked 18th, and Nir Barkat, David Bitan, and Avi Dichter were also pushed back to unrealistic spots.
Among the new candidates who stood out in the sectoral slots and the front rows are Osnat Zohar Zagi and Ruth Abramzon Kabasa in the women's slots, alongside Samir Zidan and Ayoob Kara in the non-Jewish sector. A number of incumbent Knesset members and ministers, including Gila Gamliel and Amit Halevi, are currently in the borderline area for the Knesset list.
The primary exit poll presents a new and surprising power map in Likud, which gives a tailwind to the young wave and shakes up some of the senior figures. Now it remains to wait for the official results to see if the drama in the exit poll will materialize in reality.
