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December 27, 2019: Corruption allegations do not affect the leadership of the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who further strengthens his hold on the Likud party, in view of the new political elections in March: with 72.5% of the preferences, the 70-year-old head of government won the primaries of the right-wing bloc, overwhelming challenger Gideon Saar, who stood still at 27.5%.

Likud himself officially announced the result of the vote.

Netanhyahu: "A huge victory"
"A huge win," Netanyahu commented on Twitter, "thanks to the members of the for trust, support and love." "I will lead Likud to a big victory in the next elections and we will continue to lead Israel to unprecedented successes," said Netanyahu, grappling not only with the third general election in 12 months, but also with the corruption charge .

Saar congratulates and guarantees support
Former Interior and Education Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged the defeat and announced support for Netanyahu anyway.

Exit polls predicted Netanyahu's triumph. Legislatives are scheduled for 2 March in Israel.

Liebermann: "Nothing new under the sun"
"Nothing new under the sun. The Likud primaries have changed nothing", is the first comment of Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the right-wing secular party Israel Beitenu, who twice refused to enter a coalition led by Netanyahu. "Today it is clearer than ever that neither Benyamin Netanyahu nor Benny Gantz (leader of the white-blue centrist party, ed.) Are interested in forming a unitary liberal government. Both are aiming for their own narrow government, with the support of the Orthodox parties."

For his part, the president of the Knesset Yoel Edelstein (Likud) - who had not sided with Netanyahu or Saar - expressed the belief that after the primaries the party will know how to give itself the cohesion necessary to achieve a clear victory in the next political elections.