Likud Primary Results Shift Dramatically After Recount, Minister Gamiel Falls

A dramatic political upheaval unfolded within the Likud party following the final results of its primary elections, which revealed significant shifts after a recount of ballots. The most contentious change involved the race for the 25th spot on the party's Knesset list, a reserved position for women. MK Eti Atiya narrowly overtook Minister Gila Gamliel, securing the 25th position, while Gamliel dropped to 35th, a placement considered unlikely to secure a Knesset seat.

The dramatic alteration in the results stemmed from a recount in several polling stations, with a particular focus on a station in Be'er Ya'akov where substantial discrepancies were found between the initial count and the recount. Gamliel reacted sharply to the outcome, announcing her intention to appeal to the Likud's internal court.

"We have filed an appeal to the court," Gamliel stated. "I will not let Haim Katz steal my election for Eti Atiya." Her strong response comes amid suspicions of irregularities in the counting process, especially at the Be'er Ya'akov station, which showed a difference of 137 votes between the counts.

Beyond the women's reserved seat, other notable changes occurred in the upper echelons of the Likud list. MK Sa'ada moved up from 11th to 10th place, while MK Dudi Amsalem dropped from 10th to 11th. MK David Bismut advanced from 14th to 13th, placing him 21st on the final list. MK David Biton rose from 15th to 14th, securing the 22nd spot. Conversely, MK Shlomo Karhi fell two places from 13th to 15th, landing him at 23rd on the list. MK Nir Barkat remained unchanged in 24th place.