Likud primary results near: Eli Cohen leads, Ohana-Levin race tightens with 80% of votes counted

With 80% of votes counted in the Likud primaries, Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen is leading, followed by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Justice Minister Yariv Levin. The election saw a 54% turnout among 76,068 Likud members. Several MKs, including Tally Gotliv, Nir Barkat, and David Bitan, are fighting for their positions on the slate, with Gotliv claiming on X that "Likud functionaries and vote contractors are hysterical over the power of the free votes" due to alleged forged forms without her name. Complaints of fraud were filed regarding the vote count at the Yeruham polling station, citing erasures and alterations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly endorsed Osnat Zohar and, through his son Yair, urged voters against Keren Atias Bublil due to her ties with David Bitan, who has challenged Netanyahu's demands for reserved slots.