Gila Gamliel Slams Likud Primaries After Losing Knesset Seat

Minister Gila Gamliel has launched an unprecedented attack on the Likud party's primary election results, following the final tally that placed her in the 35th spot on the party's Knesset list, a position considered unlikely to secure a seat. The results showed MK Etty Attias overtaking Gamliel for the 25th spot, a realistically winnable position.

Gamliel announced that she has filed a petition with the party tribunal, stating, "I will not let Haim Katz steal my election for Etty Attias." This sharp response follows days of internal turmoil and legal disputes within the Likud party.

The central point of contention was the "Sharon slot," designated for the third woman on the list, which guarantees a safe seat in the next Knesset. Initially, Gamliel led in the vote count. However, a recount at a disputed ballot box in Be'er Yaakov, reportedly led by Minister Haim Katz, a close associate of Attias, reversed the outcome, propelling Attias ahead.

Gamliel's campaign team alleged irregularities and fraud during the recount and had previously approached the police and the movement's tribunal. Gamliel has now clarified her intention to pursue the legal challenge and reject the final results.