Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Fends Off Rival in Primary Battle Leader touted his security credentials and high international profile to stave off a serious internal challenge By Dov Lieber
https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-defeats-rival-in-primary-battle-11577399968
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won an overwhelming victory in a primary contest for control of his Likud party, despite corruption charges against him and months of political deadlock, to lead the party into Israel’s third national vote in a year.
His challenger, Gideon Saar, a 53-year-old former interior and education minister long regarded as his only serious rival for leadership of the Likud in Thursday’s party ballot, conceded defeat.
“A huge win! With God’s and your help, I will lead the Likud to a big victory in the coming elections and we’ll continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented achievements,” Mr. Netanyahu tweeted Friday morning.
Mr. Netanyahu won 72.5% of the vote, according to final results released by Likud. Nearly half of the 116,000 eligible voters cast their ballots in Thursday’s vote, the spokesman said.
Mr. Netanyahu’s victory, which followed a series of rallies up and down the length of the country, shows his enduring popularity within his party, preparing the way for his campaign for new elections set for March 2.
Mr. Netanyahu’s next challenge, though, will be to fend off legal threats to his premiership. Last month he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which have added volatility to Israel’s fractious political landscape. On Tuesday, Israel’s Supreme Court will begin debating whether Mr. Netanyahu can form a government while under indictment, an unprecedented scenario.
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