World Likud retains power after party constitution amendment falls

The result marked a victory for World Zionist Organization head Yaakov Hagoel over a number of challengers.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG addresses a gala event on August 29, 2022, on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress, at the original venue, the Stadtcasino Basel, in Basel, Switzerland. (photo credit: Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters)
PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG addresses a gala event on August 29, 2022, on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress, at the original venue, the Stadtcasino Basel, in Basel, Switzerland.
(photo credit: Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters)

The World Likud and Likud in Israel will each make up 50% of the Likud’s delegates in the upcoming World Zionist Congress, the Likud central committee voted on Sunday.

The result marked a victory for World Zionist Organization head Yaakov Hagoel over several challengers led by Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar.

Zohar, who has more influence within Israel, proposed to amend the party constitution to have 80% of the party’s delegates come from Likud in Israel.

Hagoel, who has more clout in the World Likud, opposed the amendment and wanted the split to remain 50-50.

While a majority supported the amendment, it did not reach the necessary two-thirds of the vote and fell.

 Deputy Chairman of the Zionist Association, Yaakov Haguel, speaks at the Conference for Fighting Anti-Semitism, at the Begin Center in Jerusalem, on January 31, 2016.  (credit: HADAS PARUSH/FLASH90)
Deputy Chairman of the Zionist Association, Yaakov Haguel, speaks at the Conference for Fighting Anti-Semitism, at the Begin Center in Jerusalem, on January 31, 2016. (credit: HADAS PARUSH/FLASH90)

Hagoel's statement

Hagoel congratulated the members of the central committee for the trust they placed in him and emphasized the importance of maintaining the unity of the Likud, especially as the party is leading the state through a challenging period.

“The Likud must continue to be united and strong to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing weighty challenges in the political and security arena,” said Hagoel.

He also expressed hope for the release of all the hostages, the end of the war, and the return of peace and security to all citizens.