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Kahlon and Netanyahu
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg

Kahlon: Likud might lose power

Minister voices pessimistic predictions for Likud ahead of elections, Channel 10 says; Kahlon denies report

Minister Moshe Kahlon, who recently announced he was quitting politics, said he doesn't find recent polls projecting that Likud is to get 27-29 Knesset seats in the upcoming elections realistic. Kahlon also said that under the current circumstances, Likud might lose power, Channel 10 reported on Monday.

 

According to the report, Kahlon met different government officials over that last month, and expressed his pessimistic view over his party's future, especially due to current social circumstances in Israel. "Don't be so sure Likud is going win," he reportedly said, "It's going to be a tough one."

 

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The minister added that if former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert decides to come back to politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face a serious problem.

 

"If Olmert announces his return to politics, Likud stands a great chance of losing the elections," he said. I told Bibi the same thing."  


כחלון בוועידת הליכוד בשבוע שעבר (צילום: מוטי קמחי)

Kahlon in Likud assembly, last week (Photo: Moti Kimhi)

 

Kahlon published a statement following the news report, and stressed his support for his party: "I did not authorized a single person to talk on my behalf, nor am I responsible for things said anonymously. I am certain in Likud'd victory in these elections and in Netanyahu's socio-economic path."

 

The social affairs and communication minister, considered to be carrying the socialism torch in his party, announced last week he was "taking a break" from politics and will not run in the upcoming Likud primaries. However, reports on Sunday claimed that Netanyahu is expected to offer Kahlon a position as chief of Likud's elections headquarters.

 

Kahlon denied receiving any offers, but said that if offered, he will accept a senior role at the elections headquarters.

 

Recent polls indicate Likud's prospects are static, while other polls indicate the party's mandates are decreasing. A Likud official said on Sunday that Netanyahu is concerned about recent poll results. Netanyahu's purported appeal to Kahlon is expected to "minimize damages" caused by Kahlon's retirement and Aryeh Deri's return to politics, the official said.

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.23.12, 00:51
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