Benjamin Netanyahu won leadership of the Likud primary by a wide margin, receiving 45 percent of the vote compared to Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom’s 33 percent. Pundits say the Likud party politics have veered sharply to the right. Finance Minister Ehud Olmert, a member of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Kadima party said the Likud had become an extreme right-wing, uncompromising party. Netanyahu, however, expressed optimism for the campaign March elections. “I came tonight to tell you Likud has taken the road back to leading the country,” Netanyhau said. “During the primaries campaign I have seen a live, vibrant, active Likud.” Photo: Netanyahu and his wife Sarah after the win.