Netanyahu's party picks candidates for October election amid tight race

Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party cast ballots Monday to choose candidates for the upcoming October 27 legislative elections. The party, a right-wing faction, is bracing for a closely contested race. Netanyahu, who has served as Israel's longest-serving prime minister, finds himself in a weakened position. His government's push for controversial judicial reforms and its ongoing military campaign in the Middle East, following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, have shaped the political landscape.

Polls suggest that the Likud party's parliamentary representation could significantly decrease, falling from 32 seats to as few as 22. The primary election on Monday saw 140,000 Likud members participate in selecting their candidates. According to a party statement, national voter turnout reached 53% by the close of polls, marking a 10% increase compared to the 2022 primaries. This figure is considered an indicator of the party's mobilization efforts ahead of the general elections. Initial results are expected to be released Tuesday morning.

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The members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party voted on Monday to choose their candidates for the legislative elections of October 27, in which this right-wing formation faces a very tight contest.