Likud MK Silvan Shalom announced Monday that he would not run for leadership of the party. Shalom harshly criticized current party head Binyamin Netanyahu, saying “What’s happening today in the Likud is reminiscent of the Syrian regime.” Shalom was known to object to Netanyahu’s plan to hold early party elections, a move that analysts say will increase Netanyahu’s chances to win.
Shalom explained that he was withdrawing his candidacy as a protest against Netanyahu’s actions. His withdrawal leaves only two candidates, Netanyahu and Moshe Feiglin, leader of the Manhigut Yehudit Jewish Leadership faction of the party.