dChan - Q Origins Project Archive

Netanyahu wins Likud leadership race by landslide, defeating Sa’ar 72%-27%

Conceding defeat, Sa’ar says primary was vital for Likud’s democratic character, backs Netanyahu ahead of March 2 elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu trounced his rival Gideon Sa’ar in the Likud leadership race early Friday, winning some 72.5% of the party vote in a landslide victory for the longtime Likud leader.

Netanyahu declared victory soon after midnight Thursday-Friday, as the count was underway, while Sa’ar conceded an hour later.

“This is a huge victory! Thank you Likud members for your trust, support and love,” Netanyahu said in a message to supporters, vowing to “lead Likud to a great victory in the upcoming [national] elections and continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented achievements.”

“We won! Thank you for your support,” Netanyahu later tweeted.

At 1 a.m., Sa’ar conceded defeat, saying that while “we don’t have the final figures, the result is clear.” He said he would “congratulate the prime minister on his victory,” and pledged support for Netanyahu and Likud ahead of the March 2 general elections. “The contest was vital to the Likud and its democratic character,” said Sa’ar. “My decision to run was right and necessary. Whoever isn’t prepared to take a chance for the path he believes in, will never win.”

The contest was the first significant challenge to Netanyahu’s leadership of the Likud in more than a decade, but he maintained the support of the vast majority of the party’s Knesset members and its prominent local leaders and activists, and can thus utilize the result as a boost ahead of Israel’s third general elections in under a year.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-declares-victory-in-likud-primary-appears-headed-for-landslide-win/

War criminal wins, surprise