The Likud will hold its leadership race between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and MK Gideon Sa’ar on December 26, pending approval of the Likud central committee on Thursday, a party spokesman said yesterday.
Netanyahu’s associates wanted it earlier and suggested December 23. Sa’ar had asked for more time to prepare and called for a January 6 primary, but he welcomed the agreed date.
“I will conduct a positive, clean, and pertinent campaign, and present an agenda for Israel’s future,” he said. “There is a national need for a breakthrough that will end the ongoing political crisis, enable the formation of a strong government and unite the people of Israel.”
Sa’ar said that while he wanted the race to take place after Hannukah, it was more important to make sure it would take place and not be canceled.
MK Michal Shir, who is close to Sa’ar complained, on Wednesday about thousands of Likud members who have vanished from the membership rolls.
Former Likud MK Yehudah Glick endorsed Sa’ar on Wednesday. Sa’ar told KAN Bet that after the central committee approved holding the race more current MKs would endorse him.