On 19 April 2012, the party decided to hold a membership census, which would be followed by elections to the party's leadership and electoral list in September.[8] The census began on 22 April,[9] but ended in early September.[10] As a result, the leadership election took place in November.[11] On 17 May, Member of the Knesset Zevulun Orlev announced his intention to run for leadership,[12] challenging Hershkowitz.[13] On 21 May, former Yesha Council chairman Naftali Bennett announced his campaign.[14]
On 19 October, Bennett, Orlev and Hershkowitz participated in a televised debate held on Channel 2 and hosted by Amit Segal. The debate took place a day after the National Union merged into the Jewish Home.[20] On 22 October, Hershkowitz announced his withdrawal from the election and endorsed Orlev.[19]
Results
The election was open to the party's nearly 54,000 members to vote in 168 polling stations across the nation.[1][21]
After his loss, Orlev announced that he would be retiring from the Knesset.[1] Following the primary, the party won 12 seats in the 2013 election, and remained in the coalition.[23][24]
In 2019, The Times of Israel reported on a potential police probe into potential unreported funds received by Bennett's 2012 leadership campaign.[25]
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