Former Minister Gideon Saar announced on Thursday afternoon 19 Kislev that in light of current events, he has decided he will not challenge Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for the party leadership at this time.

Saar is viewed by many to be the next generation leader of the party but following Mr. Netanyahu’s victory in the Central Committee vote to move up the primaries by a week, Saar realized the prime minister still enjoys too much support among the thousands of members of the party’s ruling body. The prime minister’s request enjoyed the support of 65% of the committee members.

He added he respects the central committee’s decision and has decided not to enter the race as a result. He concluded by telling the public that he still plans a return to the political arena, but not at this time.

In a Panels Politics poll released on Thursday afternoon, respondents were asked who would they back for prime minister today.

26% Netanyahu

23% Herzog

13% Bennett

6% Livni

Respondents were also asked to select the prime minister from the following candidates.

4% Lapid

4% Kahlon

3% Lieberman

14% none of them

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)