Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu achieved a commanding victory in the Likud party’s primary election on December 26, 2019, securing 72% of the vote despite ongoing bribery and corruption indictments. The result delivered 41,792 votes to Netanyahu, while challenger Gideon Saar received 15,885 votes, representing 28% of the ballots cast.
Saar subsequently conceded defeat. The primary outcome reinforced Netanyahu’s standing within the party he has led for nearly 15 years. Analysts pointed to his established relationships with international figures including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as factors that have burnished his reputation as an experienced statesman.
Netanyahu characterized the result as a “giant victory” for both himself and the Likud party. “With God and with your help, I will lead the Likud to a big victory in the upcoming elections and continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented achievements,” Netanyahu stated, expressing confidence in his leadership despite the legal challenges he confronts.
In the period preceding the primary, Netanyahu pursued an energetic campaign strategy that included online outreach and public assemblies, urging party members to participate in the vote. This approach proved effective in securing a substantial majority. President Trump has previously described Netanyahu as a “very smart” and “very tough” leader, underscoring the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The primary result provides Netanyahu momentum as he seeks to retain the prime minister’s office. However, the preceding April and September 2019 general elections left Likud in a deadlock with its primary rival, the centrist Blue and White party, indicating that the path forward remains uncertain.
Senator Ted Cruz commented that “the Israeli people have spoken, and they have chosen a leader who is committed to the security and prosperity of Israel,” reflecting continued US support for Netanyahu’s leadership. Reactions from political opponents were varied. Saar, the defeated former minister, pledged that he and his colleagues “will stand behind [Netanyahu] in campaigning for the Likud’s success in the general elections,” signaling party unity despite the contested primary.
Meanwhile, Blue and White party leader Yair Lapid expressed reservations, stating that “the fact that Netanyahu has won the primary does not mean that he is immune to the corruption charges he faces.” The primary outcome carries significant implications for both Israel and the broader region. While Netanyahu gains a strategic advantage in his campaign to remain prime minister, the corruption charges and continued opposition from rival parties suggest a challenging political landscape ahead.
As the country moves toward general elections, Netanyahu’s position as a central figure in Israeli politics appears secure, though the ultimate result remains uncertain.
