Netanyahu
NetanyahuIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the members of the Likud shortly before 1:00 a.m. Monday night, after the official results of the party’s primaries were announced.

"We have a national team, a strong and young team, a veteran and talented team that came from all parts of the nation and represents all sections of the people," Netanyahu said, adding, "Today it has been proven once again that the Likud is the party of the people."

He turned to those members who did not get a realistic spot on the list and said, “I appreciate your contribution to the state and I would like to continue relying on your help.”

Netanyahu then directly spoke to Ministers Dan Meridor and Benny Begin, both of whom placed lower on the list and will more than likely not be MKs in the next Knesset.

“We grew up together in Jerusalem. We, along with [Knesset Speaker] Ruby Rivlin and others in the party, were brought up on the values ​​of Jabotinsky. I'll maintain these values ​​in the next government, which I will lead with G-d’s help, and I want you by my side.”

He said, “In order to be able to govern we need to have one large Likud. I believe that the people of Israel will not waste their votes this time on small parties or on remains of parties. I believe they will give their votes to the largest bloc of the Likud and Yisrael Beytenu. This time, we are going big. Together we will win and together we will continue to lead the State of Israel.”

The results of the Likud’s primaries were a victory for the nationalistic voices of the Likud. People such as MK Danny Danon, Minister Moshe Yaalon, MK Ze’ev Elkin, MK Tzipi Hotovely, MK Yariv Levin and Minister Yuli Edelstein all ranked high on the party’s list.

Moshe Feiglin, head of the Jewish Leadership faction in the Likud, was placed in the 14th spot on the list, meaning it is highly likely he will be an MK in the next Knesset.

Feiglin said on Monday night he feels a great responsibility after his impressive showing in the primaries.