(UTV|COLOMBO) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed a “huge win” in a vote that challenged his leadership of the Likud party.
About 49% of Likud’s 116,000 eligible members voted on Thursday, party figures show.
Challenger Gideon Saar conceded defeat, saying he would now back Mr Netanyahu in March’s general election.
The internal party vote was seen as a test of Mr Netanyahu’s hold on power at a time of mounting difficulties.
Mr Netanyahu, 70, faces trial on bribery and corruption charges, as well as a third national election within a year.
Previous elections held in April and September saw Likud deadlocked with the centrist Blue and White party – with neither able to form a government.
Mr Netanyahu, who is the country’s longest serving leader, is facing mounting scrutiny after being indicted in three corruption cases last month.
He denies wrongdoing and claims the charges are a politically motivated “witch-hunt” against him.
One exit poll cited by local media suggested Mr Netanyahu had won more than 70% of the vote.
(Agencies)
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