Netanyahu and Kahlon
Photo: Moti Kimchi
PM 'unconcerned' by Kahlon party rumors
Speaking with reporters in Paris, Netanyahu dismisses reports suggesting popular minister may form new party
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented Wednesday on the reports suggesting that Minister Moshe Kahlon was considering forming a new party, saying he was sure the soon-to-be former minister "would stay in the Likud."
Kahlon was reportedly mulling the move following polls that indicated he is likely to get some 20 Knesset seats if he entered the race.
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"Moshe Kahlon told me, in no uncertain terms, that he is staying in the Likud," Netanyahu told Israeli reporters who travelled with him on an official visit to Paris.
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"He told the public that he would be staying in the Likud and I believe he will do so," he added.
Earlier this month, Kahlon announced he was taking a break from politics but promised he was not leaving the Likud. Now he is considering his future in politics but as head of a new movement with a social agenda.
Dozens of Likud activists have called on Kahlon to enter the race seeing him as someone who could tip the scale in the elections. He is set to reach a decision in a few days, according to one of his associates.
A survey conducted by Rafi Smith showed that a socialist party headed by Kahlon would get at least 20 Knesset seats at the expense of the Likud, Yesh Atid and the Labor.
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