Netanyahu sweeps party primary in re-election boost

Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday told supporters he would win a March general election after scoring a landslide victory in the leadership primary of his right-wing Likud party.

Israel’s longest-serving premier, who faces a corruption indictment as well as a third general election in 12 months, was expected to beat rival Gideon Saar in the leadership primary.

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But the convincing margin of victory -- by 72.5 to 27.5 percent -- strengthens his position in the party he has dominated for 20 years.

Netanyahu, 70, called it a “huge win” and pledged to emerge victorious in the March 2 general election.

“Now is the time to unite and bring a tremendous victory for the Likud and the right in the election,” Netanyahu told a press conference.

“Most of the people support the right and support me to lead the government.”

In what appeared to be a general election campaign speech, Netanyahu did not mention the defeated Saar once.

Likud and the centrist Blue and White party were deadlocked after elections in both April and September, with neither able to command a parliamentary majority under Israel’s system of proportional representation.

Last month, Israel’s attorney general indicted the prime minister for fraud, bribery and breach of trust over a series of corruption allegations he denies.

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz also used yesterday’s primary result as a rallying call for the general election.

He said Netanyahu’s victory showed Likud members had “elected a leader facing three indictments, who is seeking to unravel the rule of law and secure personal immunity”.

“These elections demand that we place a mirror in front of ‘the Netanyahu party’ and make the choice for unity, dignity and internal reconciliation.”

Early polls indicate that the March 2020 election could again result in stalemate. Saar pledged to support Netanyahu in the coming campaign.