Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Netanyahu Claims 'Huge Win' in Likud Leadership Race

VOA News

   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuclaimeda "huge win" in
   Thursday's primary election for the leadership of his ruling
   Likudparty.
   "Thank you to Likud members for their trust, support and love,"
   Netanyahu tweeted just an hour after the polls closed. "I will lead the
   Likud to a big win in the upcoming elections and we will continue to
   lead the State of Israel to incredible achievements."
   Netanyahu faced off Thursday against former government minister Gideon
   Saar for the Likud leadership. Whoever heads the right-wing party would
   likely be its candidate for prime minister in the March general
   election.
   Bad weather Thursday, however,kept voter turnout low.Fewerthan half of
   eligible Likud members cast ballots as closing time approached.
   Saar is a former interior and education minister and is seen by many to
   be even moreright wingthan Netanyahu, especially in dealing with the
   Palestinians.
   "We can win today, to set forth a new path that will allow us to form a
   strong and stable government that will allow us to unite the people of
   Israel, which is probably the most important thing right now," he told
   reporters.
   Final resultsare not expected until Friday.
   Embattled, but still popular

   Israeli analysts saidmany Likud memberswere tired of Netanyahu, who has
   been prime minister for 10 years. But they saidhewas still popular
   overall within the party andwas expected to prevail over a tough
   challenge from Saar.
   Netanyahu has been fighting for his political life for nearly a year.
   Attorney GeneralAvichaiMandelblitindicted him last month for alleged
   corruption, including fraud, bribery and breach of trust. Netanyahu is
   accused of accepting luxurious gifts and favorable newspaper coverage
   in exchange for political favors. He denies the charges and accuses the
   Israeli media and judiciary of trying to get rid of him.
   Netanyahu also facesthethird general election in less than a year in
   March. Two previous contests against former Defense Minister Benny
   Gantz were inconclusive.Neither was able to win enough support in
   parliament to be able to form a government.
   The Israeli Supreme Court is expected to decide next week whether an
   indicted member of parliament would be allowed to name a Cabinet.
   Linda Gradstein in Jerusalem contributed to thisreport.

.