A new interim tally from the Likud primary indicates that MK Almog Cohen is likely to win a spot on the party list, according to results released early Tuesday. The 50% count also confirms that ministers Avi Dichter, May Golan, and Idit Silman are falling off the list.
The Likud primary vote count reached the 50% mark early Tuesday morning (04:55 Jerusalem time), providing the first substantive picture of the party's next Knesset list. According to internal counts, Minister Eli Cohen continues to lead, with Yariv Levin and Amir Ohana close behind. The key development is that three current ministers — Avi Dichter, May Golan, and Idit Silman — are dropping off the list entirely, as they fell outside the realistic slots.
MK Almog Cohen, a freshman lawmaker, is projected to secure a spot as the count shows him 'strong inside,' according to the party's internal tally. Meanwhile, Nir Barkat, who was initially in 8th place, has fallen sharply to near the bottom of the list, potentially losing his seat. Miri Regev leads among women, followed by Tali Gottlieb, while a tight race for the 25th slot (women's representation) continues between Gila Gamliel and Etti Atia.
The count began late Monday night (August 17) with first ballots from Tel Aviv, as reported by journalist Amit Segal (N12). Initial results from small samples showed a 'free vote' with no organized deals. As counting progressed through the night, Eli Cohen established a lead, and the list of MKs expected to be left out grew to include David Shekel, Yevgeny Milibitzki, and others.
The official final results are pending as more ballots are tallied.
13 developments
- StrongLikud poll: Haddad and Winter top list preferences as Gottlieb leads primary race
- StrongLikud Primary Analysis: Real Battle for 6 Slots Among 25 Sitting MKs
- StrongLikud primary turnout rises to 30.52%; Gallant casts ballot
- DevelopingMa'ariv poll: Likud at 20 seats, lowest in over a year; Eisenkot surges to 23, Bennett at 17
Source and signal
- Open-source intake