Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is clearly the Likud party leader. While the counting of the ballots continues, contender Danny Danon phoned the prime minister early into the tabulation process to congratulate him, aware of his landslide victory. It is estimated that Mr. Netanyahu won 85% of the vote.

Early reports on Thursday, 10 Teves indicate the leaders for the top positions are Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz and Interior Minister Gilad Erdan.

Official results are expected to be announced by Likud officials later on Thursday.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)