Likud Primary Surprises: The Surge of the Coalition Chairman and the Deputy Minister
MK Ofir Katz recorded one of the biggest jumps in the Likud primaries, moving from 31st place in the previous race into the party's top five. The success of Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, who received a seniority waiver to run just last week, was also a major surprise. Amichai Chikli entered the top ten, while Idit Silman remained off the list.
The Likud primaries produced results that were difficult to predict. Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, who ran on the national list in the previous elections and was placed 31st after reservations, recorded one of the most significant jumps for a sitting MK. After the final count, he secured 35,058 votes, leaping directly into the top five of the party list.
Katz performed strongly across the country, taking first place in locations such as Nof HaGalil, Afula, and the Eitan Regional Council. Considered a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz benefited from the support of independent party members, major branches, and various party deals.
MK Katz stated:
"Many thanks to the 35,058 Likud members who placed their trust in me! Thanks to all who participated in this democratic celebration. I will continue to represent you with action and results. Now, we move to the most important task: the victory of Likud and the Right in the elections."
Deputy Minister Almog Cohen also surprised with a strong performance. Having received a seniority waiver to run less than a week before the vote, his campaign lasted only a few days. Despite this, he secured 28,760 votes, breaking into the top ten at eighth place and surpassing veteran ministers. His achievement is considered remarkable as he ran without flyers, posters, or a formal campaign headquarters, relying entirely on personal connections.
Deputy Minister Cohen remarked:
"All this would not have been possible without the heroism of our soldiers and security personnel. I went into battle when the Prime Minister told me he was sure I would succeed even in three days. It was the voting public that brought me here, and I thank them and the Creator of the world for that."
Minister Amichai Chikli also recorded an impressive result in his first run with the party, receiving 38,494 votes and securing a spot in the top ten. Idit Silman, who left the "change government" alongside Chikli, remained off the final list.
