Netanyahu's zigzag and Yair's tweet: Who does the Prime Minister really support?
Following overnight pressure from Netanyahu's associates on mayors to promote Dr. Ruth Kabasa-Abramzon, the Prime Minister unexpectedly declared his public support for Osnat Zeni-Zohar this morning, with his son Yair quickly following suit. Zeni-Zohar, a Likud member for 27 years, is known for her vocal stance on the events of October 7.
Confusion has erupted within the Likud ranks regarding the battle for the "new woman" slot on the party list. After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associates exerted heavy pressure throughout the night in favor of Dr. Ruth Kabasa-Abramzon, a surprising change of direction occurred this morning (Monday) in the form of official public support for candidate Osnat Zeni-Zohar, quickly backed by Yair Netanyahu.
In the evening, Zeni-Zohar arrived at the polling station in Rishon LeZion. Yesterday evening and night, numerous calls were made on behalf of Netanyahu to mayors, emphasizing his interest in promoting Kabasa-Abramzon—a lecturer, author, and regular panelist on Channel 14. Mayors testified that following these inquiries, forms were changed overnight, with other candidates' names removed in favor of Kabasa-Abramzon. Netanyahu's circle had previously promised that a position "befitting her skills" would be found for Zeni-Zohar.
However, this morning brought a turn that surprised many. In an unusual tweet on his official X account, Netanyahu expressed support for Zeni-Zohar: "Osnat Zohar has worked for years for the Likud and for me. I will be very happy to see her continue her activity in the Knesset as well." This move raised questions about the chairman's true position. While "The Patriots" host Yinon Magal continued to promote the line that Netanyahu supports Kabasa-Abramzon, at 10:56, Yair Netanyahu joined the push for Zeni-Zohar, attacking other candidates: "I support Osnat Zohar! The most important thing is not to vote for Keren Atias Bublil, because she is connected to Bitan, and certainly not for David Bitan himself."
Zeni-Zohar is a prominent Likud activist with 27 years in the party, a jurist, and a businesswoman. She founded forums for preserving Jewish identity and saving the Galilee. On October 7, 2023, she wrote on X: "There are traitors here at the highest levels, there is no other option!!!". Responding to a retweet by Shikma Bressler, she asked: "Why are you stressed about tweets about traitors?". She later added: "It is clear to me beyond any doubt that this is a betrayal at the craziest levels that we are not even beginning to understand." In December 2023, she stated that "the most important battle is taking place inside Israel, and we are losing it because of traitors." On November 6, 2025, she shared her belief that the Biden administration was behind the events of October 7.
