Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told supporters Friday 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 .
But the convincing margin of victory — by 72 . 5 to 27 . 5 per cent — 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 .
He thanked US President Donald Trump , a close ally, for his support for Israel and said a Likud victory in the next election would bring more “ historic achievements . ”
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 Friday’ 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 . ”
– Third shot –
Ofer Zalzberg , Israel analyst with the International Crisis Group think tank , said the result kickstarted the election campaign .
“ Netanyahu is going for a third shot , hoping the next election will prove more successful , ” he told AFP .
“ This strengthens his position within the right wing who saw he is still able to achieve victories but it doesn ’ t fundamentally change the arithmetic for the next election . ”
Early polls indicate that the March 2020 election could again result in stalemate .
Saar, a former minister seen as to the right of Netanyahu , announced his primary challenge shortly after the premier ’ s indictment .
Around 57, 000 Likud members voted on Thursday — a little less than 50 per cent of those eligible .
Most media commentators had predicted a Netanyahu victory but its scale made headlines, with state radio describing it as a “ landslide ” victory.
The defeated challenger pledged to support Netanyahu in the coming campaign.
“ I am content with my decision to have stood . Those who are unwilling to take a risk for what they believe in will never succeed , ” Saar tweeted .
Stephan Miller , a pollster who has worked on multiple Israeli elections , said Netanyahu had campaigned harder than ever before to defeat Saar.
The premier held several campaign events a day in different parts of the country , while on Thursday his Facebook page broadcast live video of him phoning supporters .
In the campaign’ s most dramatic moment on Wednesday , Netanyahu was rushed off stage at a rally in the southern port of Ashkelon after a rocket was fired from the nearby Palestinian enclave of Gaza .
“ His job was on the line and he fought to keep it successfully , ” Miller said .
Source:- Punchng.
SPONSORED LINKS
[TRENDING SONG!!] Romani D-Fans – Bestie (Prod By Krizbeatz)
[TRENDING MIXTAPE!!] DJ Baddo – Bestie Unlimited Mix
[TRENDING SONG!!] TYSG Ft Bad Mz X Kendi Rozzi – Iyariya
INSTALL 9JAFLAVER MUSIC APP, STREAM, DOWNLOAD, AND PLAY MUSIC OFFLINE
CHECK OUT FUNNY PICTURE AND MEME HERE (CLICK HERE)
Chissom Anthony – Glory To God In The Highest [See Trending Gospel Song]
© 2014-2023 9jaflaver. All Rights Reserved.
About us | DMCA | Privacy Policy | Contact us
| Advertise| Request For Music | Terms Of Service
9jaflaver is not responsible for the content of external sites.