Likud overwhelmingly approved union with Israel Beiteinu

The Likud Central Committee convened this evening (Mon.) at 18:00 and voted in favor of a proposal by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to unite the Likud party with Avigdor Lieberman's party, Israel Beiteinu, under one list: "HaLikud Beiteinu".

In the background, complaints were heard from Likud members who are not happy with the move, and some have argued that the union will harm the party's power.

During the day, hundreds of signatures were collected with the goal of enforcing a secret ballot, with the understanding that in such a vote more could vote against. However, not enough signatures were raised to do so, and voting was open.

The resolution for which Likud members voted was: "The conference authorizes the Chairman of the Movement to determine the allocation of places in a joint list of the Likud and Israel Beiteinu, in the relation of the current Knesset 27:15 and throughout the shared list. Placement of Likud candidates in the joint list will be by the order of their primary election in the Likud primaries, and in accordance with election regulations approved by the conference."


The Prime Minister opened the conference: "I believe that currently it is vital that the 'national camp' will unite forces, which is why I asked Avigdor Lieberman to run a joint list with us - with the Likud. I wish to clarify that the Likud would remain an independent party, a party which will continue its way to protect the security of Israel, the Land of Israel and maintaining Jewish heritage. The consolidation will allow us to continue to lead powerfully, as we rely on a large block of cohesive national camp.

"The Likud will continue to be a national and liberal party, will be the party of all Israeli citizens - Sephardim and Ashkenazim, religious and secular, new immigrants and senior citizens, the majority and the minorities - because the Likud is everyone's."

Netanyahu mentioned the rumors which went about last week that he is marking his 'successor', stating: "I would like to inform you that I intend to continue to lead the State of Israel for many years, and the Likud will continue to lead the State of Israel many years. With your help and and with G-d's help we will regain the trust of the nation to lead Israel with might. "

After the speech of the Prime Minister, Minister Moshe Kahlon, Chairman of the Likud convention, asked the participants who is favor, and won unequivocal support of almost all conference participants, who waved yellow notes.

Lieberman: "important and historic step"

Israel Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman responded to the approval of the move, saying: "The approval which the Likud Central Committee members gave today to running together with Israel Beiteinu is a historic and important step that leads to strengthening the State of Israel which will be led by an experienced and united leadership.

"It will enable to establish a stable and strong government after the elections which will be able to best deal with the challenges facing the State of Israel. This step will return the governance and production capacity of internal strength and power outwardly.

"I congratulate the members of the Likud. Together we set off together for the sake of State of Israel and Israeli citizens."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!