Who won the 'deals'? The answer of Likud members turns the tables

Primaries are always a struggle between two forces: on one side, the organized votes, the 'deals', the lists, and the camps. On the other side, the free votes of the members, those who arrive at the ballot box with independent judgment and examine who really worked for them. At the end of a passionate, tense, and pressure-filled election campaign, Likud members have had their say. They did not choose a list of 'screamers', but a list of action. Not a list born in studios or organized groups, but a statesmanlike, experienced leadership connected to the national camp.

The elected leadership reflects a simple truth: Likud members know how to appreciate those who fight for the camp's principles, and also those who know how to manage, execute, and bring results. Yariv Levin won broad trust because he did not run away from the fight for the judicial reform. One can agree with every step and one can also criticize, but one cannot take away from him the fact that he stood at the forefront, absorbed heavy fire, and did not give up on his worldview. While others sought applause from the media, Levin chose to fight for what he believes in.

Amir Ohana proved that one can be a distinct right-winger and at the same time serve as a statesmanlike, respectable, and unifying Knesset Speaker. He maintained the dignity of the Knesset, represented Israel with honor in the country and the world, and showed that statesmanship is not weakness or surrender, but confidence in the path and the ability to respect even those who think differently.

Ofir Katz's great achievement is not accidental. As coalition chairman, he operated in a complex political arena, held a coalition under heavy pressure, and proved ability, loyalty, and diligence. Likud members saw this work and knew how to reward it.

The 'Iron Lady' and the first woman in Likud, Miri Regev's high place is also an answer to everyone who rushes to eulogize her. She reached the top thanks to hard work, presence in the field, and action in the Ministry of Transport. One can like her style or less, but one cannot ignore her ability to work and lead, to fight and remain connected to the voters.

Israel Katz: Even without primaries — his place is at the top

Defense Minister Israel Katz received a reserved spot and therefore was not required to run in the national list, but one must not be mistaken: had he run in the primaries, there is no doubt he would have been a natural candidate for a high place at the top. The security achievements during his tenure, the decision-making under pressure, and the dealing with a series of arenas and threats placed him before tests that few defense ministers in Israel have been required to face.

In a period as complex and dangerous as the country has known, Katz demonstrated determination, political responsibility, and the ability to lead the defense establishment. In the test of results, he proved himself as one of the best and most significant defense ministers the State of Israel has had. The reserved spot did not give him a status that is not his, it only saved him from a contest in which he would likely have proven once again how strong and appreciated he is among Likud members.

Yoav Kisch: The members responded to the propaganda channels

Education Minister Yoav Kisch's achievement also carries an important message. For a long time, political and media elements tried to eliminate him publicly. The propaganda channels marked him, attacked incessantly, and tried to paint his tenure as a failure. But in the primaries, there are no editors in the studio and no commentators who determine the result, there are members and a ballot box. And Likud members responded clearly: we see the work and appreciate it.

Kisch received one of the most complex ministries, perhaps in the most challenging period in the country's history. The education system had to deal with a war, evacuation of settlements, students uprooted from their homes, families in the reserves, and ongoing uncertainty. Within this reality, he was required to manage a huge system and simultaneously stand against an incessant media attack. His achievement is proof that Likudniks know how to distinguish between propaganda and action, between headlines and work, and between media noise and leadership that deals with reality.

Eli Cohen — a victory of the field, hard work, and friendship

But the big story of the primaries is the victory of Minister Eli Cohen, who finished in first place on the national list, with a gap of more than 3,000 votes from Amir Ohana. Following them were Yariv Levin, Miri Regev, and Ofir Katz.

I write these things also out of personal acquaintance. I worked alongside Eli Cohen and accompanied him as a political strategic advisor, and therefore I saw up close what many in Likud know well: this is one of the most diligent, attentive, and connected-to-the-field politicians. A person who is loyal to his role, works without stopping, and does not remember the members only on the eve of the primaries.

Eli Cohen built his power with his own ten fingers. Not through a shortcut, but through systematic work: meeting after meeting, branch after branch, and activist after activist. Over the years, he built around him a real core of good people who believe in him (Eli's Cabinet), appreciate him, and support him. And a team of talented and loyal advisors and a chief of staff. This was not a temporary mechanism for election day, but a deep connection built consistently and with trust.

His first place is not just a personal political achievement. It is a message to everyone who wants to succeed in Likud: the field remembers who came to it, who listened to it, and who remained by its side even when there were no elections on the horizon. The organized ones might know how to prepare lists, mark names, and manage deals. But at the end of the day, when the free votes arrive at the ballot box, they are capable of breaking the patterns and returning the decision to the hands of the members.

And this is the real news of the primaries: Likud chose people who fought, worked, and brought results. A statesmanlike, national, and experienced list that knows the public and is connected to it. In the test between the deal and the path, this time the path won.