Yesh Atid will hold its first-ever primaries for leadership in January 2022, the party announced on Saturday. Chairman Yair Lapid, who is also the defense minister, has led the party since its inception in 2012.

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While any candidate can nominate him or herself until Dec. 21, no lawmaker has so far expressed interest in challenging Lapid, who is set to become prime minister in October 2021 as part of a rotation agreement with current premier Naftali Bennett.

The announcement comes after years of criticism against Lapid, who has branded himself as "the protector democracy," but has refused to hold Yesh Atid leadership elections for years.

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Knesset member for Likud Avi Dichter announced Sunday he will run against Benjamin Netanyahu for the Likud leadership at the party's next primaries. Dichter is the former chief of Israel's internal security agency, Shin Bet.

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"I've said several times that I intend to run in the primaries for Likud leadership, and from there for prime minister," he told local media.

Netanyahu has led Likud since 2005. The party has been putting off primaries since 2019 amid a political deadlock that saw four rounds of elections in just two years.

Likud MK and former mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat and former Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein have also announced their intention to challenge Netanyahu.

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Although the mood exiting the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, on Monday was largely upbeat, with attendees, who travel to the nation's capital to lobby their members of Congress on behalf of the US-Israel alliance, generally pleased about Benjamin Netanyahu's decisive election victory that day (although it remains uncertain if he can still form a government), when asked their feelings about Sanders's decision to shun this year's AIPAC policy conference, many expressed outrage.

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"I'm thrilled about Bibi's re-election," said Michael Elman, 64, a retina surgeon from Baltimore. "Hopefully, he'll be able to form a government. I support his policies. We think it's a good move for the Jewish people, and hopefully, they can get out of this paralysis."

He added that "Bernie is a wolf in sheep's clothing. With friends like that, we don't need enemies."

Sanders's decision to skip the conference, as well as his recent characterization on Twitter of the historically bipartisan advocacy group as providing a "platform … for leaders who express bigotry," coupled with his characterization of Netanyahu as a "reactionary racist" in last week's Democratic presidential debate in South Carolina, comes at a time when many Jewish-Americans are distressed about a rise in anti-Semitism associated with extremism at both ends of the political spectrum, and what they perceive as a Democratic Party increasingly populated by members who are hostile to Israel.

Both his comments and his absence reverberated throughout this year's event, with speakers ranging from US Vice President Mike Pence to House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to former New York City Mayor and Democratic presidential contender Michael Bloomberg making reference to them.

In his speech on Monday, Pence said if elected, Sanders would be "the most anti-Israel president in the history of this nation." And in reference to Sanders's remarks, he said, "it is wrong to boycott and slander Israel. It is wrong to boycott and slander AIPAC."

Bloomberg called Sanders "dead wrong" to describe AIPAC as a "racist platform."

Attendees by and large strongly echoed these sentiments, although there were a small number of dissenters.

"To associate pro-Israel advocacy with bigotry, [Sanders] is advancing anti-Semitism," said Robin Hanerfeld of Bethesda, Md. "He's emboldening anti-Semites to start using the word to describe us."

Anne Brody Elovic, 58, a homemaker from the heavily Jewish village of Skokie, Ill., said "Bernie Sanders is a putz. If you want to run this country, have the chutzpah to come stand here and tell us what you think."

Some who expressed disappointment in Sanders self-identified as Democrats.

"Among this crowd, there's a resounding agreement that Bernie made a bad decision," said Gaby Cosgrove, a dentist from Los Angeles. "As a very devoted Democrat, I feel he's embarrassed me."

Referring to Democratic candidates who either spoke or addressed the conference by satellite, Cosgrove added that she thought Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) "were wonderful." She said the same of Bloomberg, who was there in person.

'Extremism tends not to be good for minorities'

Among those taking strong exception to Sanders's recent statements claiming AIPAC provides a "platform for leaders who express bigotry" were non-Jewish African-American and Hispanic Israel-supporters in attendance. Many had traveled from across the country at their own expense to show their support for Israel and the values they believe Israel upholds.

"If AIPAC promotes bigotry, then why am I here? Why is there a whole constituency group led by African-Americans here?" said London Camel, 20, a student at Florida Agricultural Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Fla.

"The organization is bipartisan and about dialogue, so why not come, Senator Sanders?" posed Landen Coles, 19, a student at the University of Miami.

Older African-American Israel-supporters echoed the younger generation's sentiments and added some of their own. "Senator Sanders should keep in mind that extremism tends not to be good for minorities," said Eric McLendon, 56, of New York, who works in commercial real estate.

Nonetheless, two of about two-dozen AIPAC attendees interviewed expressed some degree of qualified support for Sanders, saying that although they disagreed with his recent statements about Netanyahu and AIPAC, they supported his right to make them and would consider voting for him to be the next president.

"Israel's important to me, but I'm not a one issue voter," said Jonah Dubin, 21, a student at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa. "Bloomberg is standing in a better place on Israel, [but] lot of people feel Sanders would be better on health care."

But, added Dubin, "It influences my decision to vote for Sanders in a negative way that he didn't come here."

Some cited the values of debate and discussion in voicing their disapproval of Sanders's choice to rebuff AIPAC.

Originally from Venezuela, Veronica Figoli of Denver, Colo., says life back home "became broken" when people ceased being able to have civil conversations. A lifelong Democrat, she says she disagrees with Sanders's characterization of AIPAC and decision not to attend, emphasizing that she believes "the most dangerous conversation is the one which never happens."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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"Yesterday, I received a new, enormous mandate from the Likud," Netanyahu said.

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Netanyahu pointed out that in 2017 the US administration had recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and in 2018 had relocated the US Embassy in Israel to the city, not to mention leaving the 2015 Iran deal – "and this year, we annexed the Golan Heights and [the US] stated that settlements are legal," he said.

"Our rivals would not have achieved that – not only because they aren't capable of it, but because that is not their path. In the next few years, we will decide on our borders. We will get the Americans to recognize the application of Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, and all the settlements in Judea and Samaria, and we will make peace deals with Arab states," Netanyahu declared.

The prime minister thanked everyone who had worked on his campaign to be reelected.

"I thank all the campaign workers, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev. I thank all [Likud] ministers, deputy ministers, MKs, mayors, heads of local campaign offices, volunteers, and activists – I thank the Likud!" he said.

Katz and Regev spearheaded Netanyahu's campaign.

"For 11 years, I had to battle American policy that demanded concessions that would have endangered our security. I stood up to them and I stood alone against the [Iran] nuclear deal," he added.

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Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said, "I congratulate the prime minister on his decisive victory in the primaries for the Likud leadership. Despite the [winter] weather, Likud members went out and expressed unequivocal support for the prime minister. Likud members voted for strong, responsible, experienced leadership that will lead the Likud to victory in the upcoming [Knesset] election, too. Now is the time to unite, close ranks, and work as one to secure a victory for the Likud and lead Israel toward a safe and prosperous future."

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Likud MK Nir Barkat said, "Now that the primaries are behind us, I am calling on you, Gideon Sa'ar, to join us in the real fight for a Likud victory in the election and to build a right-wing government under Benjamin Netanyahu."

MK Shlomo Karhi said that Judaism's mystical system of numerology, known as gematria, foretold a victory for Netanyahu. "The numbers associated with the [Hebrew letters in] 'Benjamin Netanyahu' and 'decisive victory' add up to 1037, which represents the fifth Hanukkah candle," Karhi declared.

Shas leader Aryeh Deri also congratulated Netanyahu: "As a partner, I am happy about the vote of confidence you received … We will preserve the right-wing bloc and, with God's help, build a strong right-wing government that will protect the nation's Jewish character."

The left-wing Labor-Gesher list issued a statement that "The results point to the Likud's detachment from the people. The popular movement that Menachem Begin once headed has elected a leader under indictment on three serious counts. The popular, governing Likud officially came to an end today."

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After the ballots were counted, Sa'ar called Netanyahu to congratulate him. Netanyahu thanked him, saying, "Now we can all work together for a Likud victory in the Knesset election."

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Responding to the primary results, Netanyahu said, "We have achieved a great victory. Thank you for your faith and support."

"For the past two weeks, I've been out in the field. What people! Wonderful people, who love the country and are concerned about its future. I saw how much they appreciated my work on their behalf," the prime minister said.

"I fought for them, and they fought for me!" he added.

"They know I have given my life to ensure a major win for the Likud and the Right in the Knesset. Most of the people support the Right, and most of the people support me as prime minister. The sweeping result of the primaries was a decision about my path, our path," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu warned the activists against complacency on March 2, when Israel holds a general election, the third in less than a year. "The future is in our hands only if we go out and vote. Last night, we proved that we can win big and we'll win [the Knesset election] because of the wonderful decade we have ushered in in all areas, because of the wonderful achievements we will bring to the country in the future."

Sa'ar, meanwhile, said Thursday night that he wanted to thank his friends, his wife, and the MKs who had been with him in his campaign, as well as the volunteers who had done "holy work" in difficult weather conditions.

"The results are clear, and I am saying as clearly as possible: my friends and I support you [Netanyahu] and stand behind you for the sake of a Likud victory in the March 2 election."

"I am at peace with my decision to run," Sa'ar said.

"Anyone who isn't prepared to take a risk for a path he believes in can't win. Even now, it's clear to me that we racked up an important achievement in tough conditions, against immensely powerful forces. The Likud is our home. Let's keep working for the sake of the state of Israel and for victory in the upcoming election," the former minister added.

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The move, approved in an extended vote on an appeal against the list primary, came as a reversal on a prior ruling, with the decision explained by the prospect that Likud could end up missing the Jan. 15 deadline for submitting its list to the Central Elections Committee.

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Meanwhile, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar prepare to face off for the leadership of the Likud party in voting that will take place this Thursday, Sa'ar said Monday evening that "when he was elected head of the Likud," he would take steps to have Netanyahu made president. Sa'ar said Netanyahu "could continue serving the nation with his diplomatic skills, which are the best in the world."

On Thursday, Dec. 26, Likud members are slated to choose a leader for the movement. The winner will run as head of the party on March 2. Netanyahu and Sa'ar have both been taking advantage of the Hanukkah holiday to hold meetings with party activists and members of the Likud Central Committee ahead of the voting on Thursday.

The Likud Central Elections Committee announced Monday that due to the inclement weather forecast for Thursday, voting would be extended by an hour and take place from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ballot counting will begin as soon as the polls close.

Part of this article was originally published by i24NEWS.

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For close to 24 hours, Sa'ar drew the attention of the political system, prodding his adversaries and causing the media, in its typically hostile to Netanyahu fashion, to focus mainly on him and the tumult he was instigating within his own party. Ultimately, however, what people will mostly remember from all this was his disloyalty in the moment of truth. Until now, the rivalry with Netanyahu generally benefited Sa'ar, perhaps even amplified his status. The question is whether he crossed the line and will lose prestige from this point forward.

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The difference between Sa'ar's proposal to hold snap primaries within the 21 days the Knesset can still produce a government, and Netanyahu's agreement with Katz to hold primaries after the Knesset disperses in 21 days, is massive. Sa'ar sought to vie for the party's leadership and to receive the president's mandate to form the next government. The slogan from his campaign, which he effectively launched Saturday night, was that the Netanyahu era was over because he had essentially lost the ability to form a government. While he, Sa'ar, not only increases the odds of keeping the Likud in power but is certain to do so, due to the fact that Benny Gantz, Amir Peretz and other Likud rivals – including, apparently, Avigdor Lieberman – scorn Netanyahu on a personal level, not his party.

Hence Netanyahu's agreement with Katz is no less than a slap in Sa'ar's face. While the timing of the primaries he had aimed for would have worked in his favor – because he offers a government that Netanyahu cannot provide – Netanyahu and Katz opted for a primary election that will determine who will lead the Likud in an election campaign. Not only does Netanyahu have the advantage in such a scenario, Sa'ar isn't even a factor. There's little doubt who Likudniks will support with a general election looming. It remains obvious that Netanyahu doesn't have a true rival in this arena.

Netanyahu and Katz also agreed to annul the primaries to determine the party's Knesset ticket. In this 21-day period, it is important for Netanyahu to show his back-seat MKs that they have nothing to fear; and that none of them should feel the need to negotiate with Blue and White about defecting to save their political skins. It's possible this agreement will indeed hold firm until the general election, but no one should be shocked if after these 21 days, when the election campaign is sure to commence, changes will be made in this regard.

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The prime minister on Sunday night informed the head of the Likud Central Committee MK Haim Katz, however, that he will not permit a snap primary after Netanyahu's key challenger, MK Gideon Sa'ar, had called for one.

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Sa'ar's call constitutes the main and, so far, only opposition to the prime minister's role from within the Likud ranks.

"There is only one way in which we can save the country, extricate it from the crisis and ensure the Likud's continued rule – and that is if we go to snap primaries today, within these 21 days," he told Channel 12 News.

Sa'ar wrote on Twitter that he "welcomes the prime minister's agreement to hold primaries for party leadership."

He has previously said he would consider running for the top Likud slot.

While voicing appreciation for Netanyahu's record-long term and noting he was innocent until proven otherwise, Sa'ar criticized the premier's attempts to cast his criminal prosecution as a "coup attempt" involving police, prosecutors and the media.

"Not only is it wrong to say that, but it's also irresponsible to say that. It's completely out of touch," Sa'ar said.

The Likud party spokesman earlier in the day dismissed the challenge.

"It is sad to see that while Prime Minister Netanyahu keeps Israel safe on all fronts and works to preserve Likud rule, Gideon Sa'ar, as is his wont, is displaying zero loyalty and maximum subversion," the spokesman said.

A senior Likud official told Israel Hayom that Netanyahu's agreement to hold primaries was meant, in part, to thwart the possibility that someone from the party's back seats could defect or join Blue and White if he or she feels their place in the Knesset is no longer secure.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu received an internal boost from Likud MK and former Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat, who said: "The call to conduct primaries for the leadership of the party is an attempt to oust the premier, while disregarding completely the wish of the majority of Likud members."

In an apparent dismissal of Sa'ar, Barkat maintained that "national responsibility obliges us to foil attempts of division from inside and out."

The ex-mayor continued his attack, albeit not addressing Sa'ar by name directly, saying, "There are members from within who are coordinated quite openly in their messages with Knesset members from the Left, trying to pressure Likud members to defect and form a leftist government."

"We have to strengthen the prime minister, we have to be at his side," Barkat said, adding that Netanyahu is innocent until proven guilty "especially as severe investigation flaws were exposed."

Barkat gave Katz his own proposal for nominating a deputy to Netanyahu who would take his place should he be forced to take a leave of absence.

"Electing and appointing a vice chairman at this time will guarantee support for party leader Benjamin Netanyahu and enable unity in the party and continuity in the government if Netanyahu will be incapacitated," Barkat said. "It could also in parallel enable the formation of a unity government."

In response to Barkat, Sa'ar took to Twitter Sunday night and told the former mayor, who at the time was a member of the now-defunct Kadima party, that he "must learn that Likudniks cannot be bought with money, and leadership cannot be acquired with zigzags.

Barkat tweeted back that Sa'ar should be ashamed of himself for not showing loyalty to Netanyahu at a time of crisis and instead "panicking, losing his mind and engaging in the lowest personal attacks against the prime minister and against me."

Netanyahu's indictment last Thursday came amid political disarray in Israel, after neither Netanyahu nor his main challenger in the general election, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, secured a majority in parliament in April and September votes.

Netanyahu has denied the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust and said he would stay in office and defend himself.

The four-term conservative leader projected business as usual on Sunday, touring the country's northern frontier and speaking about Iranian threats.

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition by a watchdog group to force Netanyahu to step aside.

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel had said in its court filing that the first criminal charges against a sitting prime minister constituted "the crossing of a red line and a grave blow to public trust in ruling institutions."

The court dismissed the petition to force Netanyahu to resign or temporarily recuse himself from office. It said the watchdog had not yet exhausted other avenues, such as petitioning Netanyahu directly and Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit.

For his part, Netanyahu kept his focus on security and toured the Golan Heights with top military brass.

"I am doing everything needed to carry out government work, cabinet work ... in all necessary ways, to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel and the things that are crucial for Israel," he said in a video statement.

He reiterated concerns over Iran's attempt to entrench itself militarily in a number of Middle East countries and said Israel "will act to prevent Iran's attempt to make Iraq and Yemen bases for rocket and missile launches against Israel."

But news coverage remained focused on the political challenge. Commentators said other court petitions could follow.

Gantz's mandate to form a government – after an unsuccessful attempt by Netanyahu to do so – expired on Wednesday. The next day, President Reuven Rivlin declared a three-week period in which lawmakers can nominate one of their own to try to put together a ruling coalition.

Should that fail, a new election – Israel's third in a year – will be triggered.

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