Before this challenge to Shamir, Sharon had been sidelined in politics for roughly a year, after having been made to resign as defense minister in February 1983 following a government judicial commission inquiry which found him derelict in duty, faulting him for having not managed to prevent the Sabra and Shatila massacre.

[4] He claimed the government inquiry that had led to his ouster as defense minister was unfair, decrying it as, "a mark of Cain on my forehead.

"[4] Sharon, despite being disgraced by judicial commission inquiry, retained a dedicated base of support among right-wing nationalists.

[5][6] A week before the vote, the party moved to change the required threshold to avoid a runoff election to 40% from the previous 50%.

Nonetheless, fourth place was regarded as a high placement, and was seen as positioning him for a ministerial post should the party be successful in the election.