Netanyahu claims win in party leadership challenge

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.

After polls closed at 23:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu tweeted a claim that he had won, although a result is not expected until early on Friday.

"With God and with your help, I will lead the Likud to a big victory in the upcoming elections and continue to lead the State of Israel to unprecedented achievements," he posted (in Hebrew).

Source: Agencies

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