Likud List Touts Negev Airport and Preemptive War Doctrine Ahead of Vote

Israelers head to the polls on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party finalize their campaign pitches.

Party candidates are circulating specific policy proposals, ranging from a new international airport in the Negev to a revised national security doctrine that prioritizes offensive strikes.

Almog Cohen, ranked 13th on the Likud list and currently a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, described the campaign environment on Wednesday. "We can feel the pulse on the ground. There was an event with the prime minister in Dimona, a large number of people packed into a small space," Cohen said.

Cohen, formerly of the Otzma Yehudit party, said polls suggest Likud will win more than 20 mandates. He pitched a plan to build an international airport in the Negev, a project he estimates would generate 14,000 high-quality jobs.

Netanyahu’s agenda for a potential new term focuses on weakening Iran’s regional proxies, expanding the Abraham Accords, and blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state. The prime minister also outlined plans to expand domestic weapons production to offset international arms embargoes and pressure.

Eti Hava Atia, ranked 20th on the list, said on Thursday that the party’s platform centers on supporting disadvantaged communities and reducing social inequality. "Likud represents Zionism, nationalism, tradition and responsibility," she said.

Amit Halevi, ranked 33rd, argued that the opposition requires 48 seats to form a government if it secures support from Arab parties. He criticized opposition leaders for holding a pre-Oct. 7 mindset while claiming Likud is best positioned to lead the country during the war.

The party recently released a two-page national security doctrine calling for an upgrade in fundamental principles. The document mandates giving priority to prevention and offense over containment, including launching preemptive strikes to thwart evolving threats. It lists 10 essential principles, starting with ensuring military superiority over enemies. Moshe Saada, ranked 17th, said the election is a choice between Netanyahu and his main rival, Eisenkot, noting that Netanyahu’s strategy changed the reality in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.