Likud primary results test for Netanyahu before October election

Israel's governing Likud party held its primary election on August 17, 2026, a pivotal event that will shape the candidate list for the upcoming national vote on October 27 and has significant implications for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political future. Counting of the votes continued into the early hours of August 18, with early indications suggesting Energy Minister Eli Cohen secured first place in the race to determine which candidates represent the party in the Knesset.

According to a party official, approximately 53.5% of Likud's roughly 140,000 registered members cast ballots. This turnout was lower than the 58% participation in the party's 2022 primary. Alongside Cohen, other senior figures expected to have secured top spots on the party list include Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev.

The results carry weight as recent polls project Likud to win between 22 and 24 seats in the 120-member Knesset, a significant decline from the 32 seats it currently holds. Analysts have highlighted a growing gap between the priorities of Likud's activist base and those of its broader voter bloc. A survey published on...