Benjamin Netanyahu wins Likud party leadership race

Jerusalem (CNN)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will retain leadership of Likud, the political party he has led for more than a decade, after a resounding victory over his challenger.

An hour after polls closed Thursday night, Netanyahu tweeted, "Huge victory! I thank the Likud members for the trust, the support and the love. With god's help and with your help, I will lead the Likud to a great victory in the coming (March) election and we'll continue leading the state of Israel to unprecedented achievements."
Despite facing criminal indictment on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, as well as failing to form a government after elections in April and September, Netanyahu was the favorite against hardline right-wing politician Gideon Sa'ar.
Sa'ar conceded, tweeting, "Congratulations to the Prime Minister on his victory in the primaries. My colleagues and I will stand behind him in campaigning for the Likud's success in the general elections. This contest was immensely important to the Likud and its democratic character."