Shalom to snub Likud primary

World Likud head Danon targets US Evangelicals for funds.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
silvan shalom 248 88 aj (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
silvan shalom 248 88 aj
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Likud MK Silvan Shalom will miss the August 14 Likud primary because he will be abroad with his family, Shalom reportedly told a rally of more than 200 supporters from across the country at his Ramat Gan home on Wednesday. Shalom dropped out of the race last week, protesting Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu's decision to hold the primary so soon. He told his supporters on Wednesday that he would not endorse any candidate in the race and would not vote because he would be abroad. A source close to Netanyahu slammed Shalom for deciding to skip the vote, saying he was not surprised by his decision. "Silvan has long ceased to be relevant," the source said. "This just shows his [lack of] loyalty to the party." Shalom declined to comment on the issue. His associates said Shalom held the event to explain to his supporters why he decided not to run. The supporters told Shalom he should have run and that he could have won the race. World Likud chairman Danny Danon, who joined the race on Tuesday, will leave for Dallas next week, where he intends to fund raise among the Evangelical community. The World Likud is holding an event there, which will be attended by Jewish and Christian supporters of Israel. "I prefer to receive contributions from Jews and Christians who share my ideology than from people who have a financial interest," Danon said. Likud leadership candidate Moshe Feiglin declined to comment on Danon's plans. But Michael Fuah, the director-general of Feiglin's Manhigut Yehudit [Jewish Leadership] movement, said his organization had a policy of not accepting contributions from Christians. He said Manhigut Yehudit only accepted funds from Jews and from non-Jews who accept the seven Noahide laws.