Published: August 14, 2026 · Tedros Editorial
MK Tsega Melaku withdraws from the Likud primaries race
The announcement
MK Tsega Melaku announced on Friday, August 14, 2026, that she would not run in Likud's primaries, held the following Monday. In her statement she said:
> "There is no realistic political constellation in which I could be elected, the immigrant-reserved seat is blocked, and the community behind me felt there was no chance anyway. Running nationally under these conditions is impossible. I expected to be retained after the difficult work in the current Knesset, but it didn't happen."
Background
According to the report, spiritual leaders from the Ethiopian-Israeli community recently approached Prime Minister Netanyahu asking him to guarantee Melaku's re-election. His office did not respond to the request, while other candidates' secure list positions were already announced.
What's happening with Pnina Tamano-Shata
Separately, senior Likud figures recently held exploratory talks with MK Pnina Tamano-Shata (Blue and White) about a possible party switch. She announced she is staying with Blue and White. Her departure could have significantly shifted Ethiopian-Israeli community voting patterns — but that didn't happen.
What it means
With Melaku's withdrawal from the race, the Ethiopian-Israeli community may be left without a representative on the Likud list for the next Knesset. Tedros is reporting this as a political fact — we take no position on the decision or on the election's prospects.