Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his commitment to his country's illegal settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories. Following his victory in the Likud leadership poll, the Israeli prime minister said that the settlements are a "key element" of the state's future.

According to Radio Israel on Wednesday, Netanyahu got around 74% of the votes cast, defeating his competitor Moshe Feiglin, who received 24% support. The turnout was 46% of the membership; in other words, Netanyahu was elected by just 34.04% of those entitled to vote.

The main Israeli opposition party, Kadima, accused Likud of continuing to adopt "extreme" policies which could isolate Tel Aviv and lead to the deterioration of Israel's international status.