Likud Primary Vote Count Is In: Netanyahu Says He Is "Very Pleased"

The vote count in Likud's primary election concluded this morning (Tuesday), setting the final ranking of candidates after a close race. Energy Minister Eli Cohen finished in first place, followed by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Justice Minister Yariv Levin. Miri Regev and Ofir Katz rounded out the top five.

Further down the list were Yoav Kisch, Miki Zohar and Almog Cohen, followed by Amichai Chikli and Dudi Amsalem. Moshe Saada came in 11th and Tally Gotliv finished 12th. Shlomo Karhi ranked 13th, while the closest contest was between Boaz Bismuth and David Bitan: Bismuth edged Bitan at the last moment by just 16 votes, with the two finishing 14th and 15th, respectively. Nir Barkat came in 16th, followed by Ze'ev Elkin and Gila Gamliel.

However, candidates' primary rankings are not the same as their final placements on Likud's Knesset list, due to reserved slots and other designated positions. On the adjusted list, which includes the reserved slots of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu is in first place and Eli Cohen is second. The third spot is reserved for a Netanyahu pick, while the fourth and fifth spots are expected to go to Israel Katz and Gideon Sa'ar through reserved slots.

Amir Ohana is placed sixth, Yariv Levin seventh and Miri Regev eighth. The ninth spot is reserved for another Netanyahu pick, with Ofir Katz in 10th. Oren Dobronsky is expected to be placed 11th through a reserved slot, followed by Yoav Kisch, Miki Zohar and Almog Cohen. Another reserved slot appears at 15th, Amichai Chikli is 16th and Dudi Amsalem is 17th. Haim Katz is expected to receive the 18th spot through a reserved slot.

Moshe Saada is placed 19th on the adjusted list, Tally Gotliv is 20th, Shlomo Karhi is 21st, Boaz Bismuth is 22nd and David Bitan is 23rd. Nir Barkat was pushed down to 24th and Gila Gamliel to 25th. The 26th spot is reserved for a Netanyahu pick, Erez Tadmor is 27th and Shlomo Lerner is 28th. After another reserved slot in 29th place, Moshe Binyamin Peretz closes out the list through spot 30.

On the other hand, ministers and Knesset members pushed outside the realistic range of the list include May Golan, Avi Dichter, Hanoch Milwidsky, Ariel Kallner, Sasson Guetta, Shalom Danino and Nissim Vaturi. Idit Silman is also not currently in a realistic position.

Likud released a statement after the count was completed: "Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu is very pleased with the results of the Likud primaries and congratulates those chosen for the list. The new Likud list reflects renewal and the integration of new forces at the top of the slate. Together with the reserved candidates to be appointed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who will strengthen the list even further, the Likud team led by Netanyahu will lead to a major victory and the establishment of a broad national government immediately after the election."

Likud added: "This is the only way to prevent a left-wing government of Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Lieberman and the Arab parties. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanks Likud's female and male party members, who voted according to common sense and not according to deals. Prime Minister Netanyahu also greatly appreciates those who did not manage to make the list, thanks them for their contribution and intends to include them in the effort toward a Likud victory."