Israel’s PM secures loyalists on party ballot ahead of tight election

Israel’s PM secures loyalists on party ballot ahead of tight election

Likud party's primaries were seen as a test of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's control and an audition for potential successors, although he has given no indication he wants to leave politics.

Likud Vote Strengthens Netanyahu’s Position

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has celebrated the election of several close allies to top spots on the ruling Likud party’s candidate list, strengthening his influence ahead of the October 27 parliamentary elections. The results of Likud’s internal primaries have been viewed as a test of Netanyahu’s control over the party, as well as a potential contest among politicians seeking to succeed him in the future. However, the 76-year-old p…