Israel’s Netanyahu declares victory in party leadership race after initial results in
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JERUSALEM (AFP, REUTERS) - Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory in a leadership primary in his right-wing Likud party on Friday (Dec 27), ensuring he will lead it into March elections.
"A huge win! Thank you to Likud members for their trust, support and love," Mr Netanyahu tweeted an hour after polls closed.
Initial results showed him comfortably beating rival Gideon Saar, though a final tally was expected to take several hours.
"With God's and your help, I will lead Likud to a big victory in the upcoming elections and we will continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented achievements," Mr Netanyahu added.
Mr Saar, a former minister seen as to the right of Mr Netanyahu, conceded early on Friday.
"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," he tweeted.
"My colleagues and I will stand behind (Netanyahu) in campaigning for the Likud's success in the general elections," he added.
Earlier, an exit poll cited by the political correspondent for Israel's Channel 12 news predicted that Mr Netanyahu, head of Likud for the past 14 years, would retain the right-wing party's leadership with 71.52 per cent of votes.
The challenge by Mr Saar, whom the exit poll gave 28.48 per cent of votes, has added to pressures that have mounted this year on the four-term premier, who is under indictment and fighting for political survival.
An official tally of votes was due on Friday morning.
In November, Mr Netanyahu was charged with corruption in three criminal cases and he has twice failed to form a government in the wake of two inconclusive national ballots, held in April and September.
His centrist rival in those elections, Mr Benny Gantz of the Blue and White party, was also unable to form a coalition government, which has led Israel to political deadlock and an unprecedented third election.
Mr Netanyahu has cast the legal case against him as a political witch-hunt orchestrated by the media and an Israeli left hoping to oust him.
Though the troubles of "King Bibi", as he is nicknamed by his fans, do not seem to have dented the loyalty Mr Netanyahu commands among his supporters, some Likud members have said it is time for fresh leadership.
Mr Saar, a former education and interior minister and a popular member of Likud, has said that the party is unlikely to regain power in the March 2 election unless Mr Netanyahu steps aside.
Mr Netanyahu has dismissed Mr Saar's challenge, talking up his security credentials and international prowess.
Around 49 per cent of the 116,048 eligible Likud members turned out for Thursday's vote, the party said.
Stormy weather kept others home.
