Coalition Chair Ofir Katz vaults to top five in Likud primary, set for top-ten list slot

The final tally of the Likud primary results reveals a major reshuffling of the party’s leadership tier. Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz emerged as one of the night's biggest winners, climbing from the 20th spot in the previous primary to the top five. This performance ensures him a high-ranking position in the top ten of the party's final list, after factoring in reserved slots and district representatives.

Winners and Losers

While Katz celebrated a historic achievement, the primary results signaled the end of several high-profile political careers. According to reports from Amit Segal (N12) and other outlets, three incumbent ministers—Avi Dichter, Idit Silman, and May Golan—have failed to secure realistic spots and are effectively out of the next Knesset. Other senior figures, including Ze'ev Elkin and Gila Gamliel, remain in a precarious position as the final votes are verified.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen maintained his lead at the top of the list, followed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, a long-time frontrunner in previous primaries, saw a significant decline, dropping toward the third decile of the list.

Internal Dynamics and Districts

In the district races, Erez Tadmor secured a decisive victory in the Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and Shfela district, receiving more than double the votes of his closest competitor. Other notable district winners include Avi Naveh in the Coastal Plain and Shlomo Lerner in the Dan-Tel Aviv district.

Political analysts noted that despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to influence certain outcomes, internal party mechanisms and "deals" remained influential. While some Netanyahu-backed candidates succeeded in the districts, veteran MK David Bitan managed to survive in a realistic slot despite reported opposition from the party leadership. The Zioneer will continue to follow the official publication of the final certified list.