2012 Likud leadership election

Background

Incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu was expected from the beginning, failing a political crisis to run for re-election. Silvan Shalom and Moshe Feiglin were touted as potential candidates to oppose Netanyahu. However, Shalom declined to run. On 29 December 2011, Feiglin announced his candidacy.

Candidates

• Moshe Feiglin, leader of the Manhigut Yehudit faction
• Benjamin Netanyahu, incumbent and Prime Minister of Israel

Declined

• Silvan Shalom

Other

• Vladimir Herczberg, nuclear physicist and perennial candidate - attempted to run, but was not listed in the ballot

Campaign

Feiglin wishes to "restore Jewish values", and fight against secularism and socialism. He wants to end US aid to Israel, and cancel the Oslo Accords. He accused Netanyahu of "lying" about expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Feiglin has worked to rally support from Likud voters in the West Bank, warning that Netanyahu will "turn left" and freeze construction again. Feiglin hoped to get at least 20% in the primaries, although he received 24% during the last primaries. Netanyahu has said to his campaign that Feiglin must not get over 20%.

Feiglin was mentioned by supporters of Ron Paul, a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, responding to claims that Paul is anti-Israel due to his opposition to foreign aid. Feiglin refused to endorse any candidate, saying he does not like when Americans interfere in Israeli politics. However, he said he agrees with Ron Paul on foreign aid, and with Newt Gingrich on the historical status of Palestinians.

He said Israel should have attacked Iran's nuclear program long ago, and that would be his first act in office.

On 3 January 2012, Feiglin launched his campaign with hundreds of supporters at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel in Jerusalem, and outlined his platform. He would "keep the entire Land of Israel, build throughout the land, expel enemies and infiltrators, and go up to the Temple Mount to sacrifice the Paschal Lamb". In addition, he would appoint a Likud defense minister, criticizing Netanyahu for maintaining former Labor leader Ehud Barak, properly equip soldiers for missions, demand that [U.S. President] Obama release Jonathan Pollard, and prevent a Meretz take-over of the Israeli Supreme Court. Supporters were encouraged to promote the candidacy of Feiglin, and convince Likud voters to vote for him.

A poll released on 16 January 2012 by Ma'agar Mochot showed Netanyahu leading Feiglin 51% to 35%, with 14% of Likud members undecided.

Netanyahu defeated Feiglin, winning 77% of the vote. Feiglin's campaign accused Netanyahu supporters of preventing voters from voting. Analysts have claimed that Netanyahu's inability to win 80% is a "failure".

In addition, allegations of "vote-fixing" were raised, indicating that Feiglin may have won a significantly higher percentage of the vote. These allegations were never followed up with a formal complaint, as they would not have resulted in a victory for Feiglin.

Polling

Results

Turnout stood at 50.4%

References

References

1. Hoffman, Gil. (1 January 2012). "Unknown joins Likud leadership race". Jerusalem Post.
2. Lev, David. (29 December 2011). "Feiglin to PM: Likud Primaries? Bring it On!". Arutz Sheva.
3. A7 Staff. (3 January 2012). "Feiglin Launches Bid for Likud Leadership". Arutz Sheva.
4. Ronen, Gil. (12 January 2012). "Likud Showdown Looms: Feiglin Rallies Yesha Support". Arutz Sheva.
5. Hoffman, Gil. (30 December 2012). "Feiglin dragged into Republican primary". Jerusalem Post.
6. Hoffman, Gil. (4 January 2012). "Feiglin followers get orders for Likud race". Jerusalem Post.
7. (16 January 2012). "Feiglin nearing 35% Support in Likud against Netanyahu". World of Judaica.
8. Bar-Zohar, Ophir. (2012-02-02). "Netanyahu rival challenges official Likud primary results". Haaretz.
9. Ronen, Gil. (17 January 2012). "Poll Shows High Support for Feiglin in Likud". Arutz Sheva.
10. "Netanyahu denies elections coming up".
11. (February 3, 2012). "Netanyahu won the Likud battle, but he may lose the war". Haaretz.