Likud, Again, Under Netanyahu's Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu notched up success at a yesterday's contest over the leadership of Likud, the political party he has led for more than a decade, after a resounding victory over his challenger.

An hour after polls closed Thursday night, Netanyahu, 70, tweeted, "Huge victory! I thank the Likud members for the trust, the support and the love. With god's help and with your help, I will lead the Likud to a great victory in the coming (March) election and we'll continue leading the state of Israel to unprecedented achievements."

Last month, Netanyahu faced criminal indictment on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, as well as failing to form a government after elections in April and September. Netanyahu still, though, the favorite against hardline right-wing politician Gideon Sa'ar.

Sa'ar conceded, tweeting, "Congratulations to the Prime Minister on his victory in the primaries. My colleagues and I will stand behind him in campaigning for the Likud's success in the general elections. This contest was immensely important to the Likud and its democratic character."

The PM got 72.5% of the vote, according to results published by Likud, as Sa'ar polled 27.5%. Turnout among the 116,000 Likud members was about 50%.

Sa'ar, a former minister of education, had promised to to break Israel's political deadlock and lead Likud to victory in March. He was a strong opponent to the two-state solution.

According to CNN, In an effort to energize his base, Netanyahu continued his us-versus-them tone, tweeting to his supporters: "They won't decide for us. Only we will decide who will lead the Likud and the country. A big victory for me in the primaries will secure a huge Likud victory in the Knesset elections."

In more than a decade, the PM has garnered more than 70% of the vote in every leadership race since 2007. Thursday's victory ensured Netanyahu's control of the Likud and his leadership of Israel's right wing.