Likud hardliner exits party, forms new faction

MK Moshe Feiglin announced his departure from Likud party on Monday to form what he called a "new, independent" political party. The Likud primaries, held last week, proved disappointing for Feiglin who, despite the support for his Jewish Leadership faction, was placed 36th on Likud's Knesset list, effectively ousting him from the next Knesset.

Feiglin, a Likud member for 15 years, has challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the party's leadership several times, but was always defeated.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Feiglin said, "I have no issue with the Likud. I love the friends I have found there. Netanyahu carried out a targeted political hit against me, but I'm not angry with him. I've already received several offers that would guarantee me a place in the next Knesset, and I'm considering all of them, but on the other hand, I won't become a fad party, and if that means I have to sit the next Knesset out to build [a voter base], then so be it."

Also on Monday, Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely, who was placed 26th on the party's Knesset list, said she would appeal the results. Her placing is considered borderline for having a realistic chance of winning a seat.

Hotovely cited possible irregularities in several polling stations, and only 55 votes separated her from former MK Avi Dichter. With several slots on the Likud's roster reserved for sectorial representatives, the final placements saw Dichter placed 20th on the list.

Likud bylaws state that candidates may appeal the primaries' results within one week. Should Hotovely appeal, the Likud's Election Committee will have to decide whether to call for a full recount of several polling stations. The committee could also review the voting records or decide that the reviews done immediately after the vote suffice.