Likud Primaries Conclude After Recounts, Settling Key Knesset Race

The final results of the Likud party's primary elections have been determined after days of tension, allegations of irregularities, and legal challenges. The most contentious race was between MK Etty Atiya and Minister Gila Gamliel for the third reserved spot for women on the party's Knesset list, a position considered crucial for election to the next parliament.

Following repeated recounts and investigations into disputed ballot boxes, particularly one in Be'er Yaakov, Etty Atiya has overtaken Gila Gamliel, securing the 25th spot on the list. This result represents a significant political setback for Gamliel, who has been pushed down to the 35th position, widely considered non-viable for election.

Gamliel's campaign team had strongly criticized the recount process, led by Minister Haim Katz, a close associate of Atiya, alleging the recount was conducted improperly and filing petitions. However, the final tally has cemented Gamliel's low placement on the list.

Beyond the Atiya-Gamliel contest, other notable shifts occurred in the Likud's leadership rankings. MK Moshe Saada made a significant advance, climbing to the tenth position. Additionally, Minister Shlomo Karhi secured a respectable fifteenth place on the national list, prior to the allocation of reserved seats for ministers and regional representatives.