Likud Candidates Target Negev Jobs and Military Doctrine Ahead of Vote
With the October 27 election imminent, party officials detail plans for a southern airport, judicial reform, and a shift toward preemptive strikes.
By Layla Fontaine ·
Israel’s national election is set for October 27, 2026. Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party are spending their final days on the campaign trail. They are pitching specific policy goals to voters who feel the pressure of ongoing regional conflicts. The party aims to secure more than 20 seats in the Knesset, according to most current polls.
Almog Cohen, ranked 13th on the Likud list, cites high voter turnout at recent events. He described a crowded rally in Dimona as evidence of public engagement. Cohen, formerly of Otzma Yehudit, now serves as deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. He argues that Likud’s diverse membership appeals to a wide base. He points to Netanyahu’s decision to continue the war in Gaza despite calls for an arms embargo and warnings from U.S. President Joe Biden.
Cohen proposes building an international airport in the Negev. The project aims to support a new business ecosystem. He estimates the development could create 14,000 high-quality jobs. He also emphasizes strengthening Israel’s presence in the Negev and Galilee regions. His personal focus remains on the front lines of the fight against crime and terrorism.
Eti Hava Atia, ranked 20th, describes the final week as intense. She says she is entering the home stretch with strong faith in the party’s path. Atia lists supporting disadvantaged communities, women, and the elderly as her top priorities. She wants to reduce social and economic inequality. She argues that Likud represents Zionism, nationalism, tradition, and responsibility.
Amit Halevi, ranked 33rd, calls the race neck and neck. He notes the opposition needs 48 seats to form a government if it gains support from Arab parties. Halevi argues Likud is best positioned for national security. He claims opposition leaders are stuck in a pre-October 7 mindset. He believes winning the war depends on a clear strategic outlook.
Netanyahu presented a new national security doctrine on Sunday. The two-page document prioritizes prevention and offense over containment and defense. It calls for launching preemptive strikes to thwart evolving threats. The doctrine also aims to cement Israel’s status as a regional power and build independence in munition production. It lists 10 principles, with military superiority as the first.
Moshe Saada, ranked 17th, frames the election as a choice between Benny Gantz and Netanyahu. Saada says Netanyahu has changed the reality in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. He notes that Trump said he trusts Netanyahu for war coordination. If re-elected, Saada plans to focus on judicial reform. He also proposes tying state benefits to IDF service and restricting medical licenses for doctors who graduated from Al-Quds University in Abu Dis.
