Likud Central Chairman Haim Katz Responds to Internal Party Dispute

Haim Katz, chairman of the Likud Central Committee, has broken his silence following accusations from Minister Gila Gamliel and her associates regarding the party's primary election results. Katz stated that he has endured a "series of lies and slander" from Gamliel and her supporters, explaining his previous quietude was for the "good of Likud on the eve of fateful elections for Israel's future."

The dispute centers on the 25th spot on the Likud's Knesset list, a reserved slot for women. Initially, Gamliel led in this race. However, a recount in the disputed polling station in Be'er Yaakov saw the results reversed, with MK Etti Attia, considered close to Katz, overtaking Gamliel and securing the 25th position. This pushed Gamliel down to the 35th spot, considered non-realistic for election.

Following the recount, Gamliel and her campaign initiated legal actions, including petitions to the movement's court and injunctions. Gamliel also filed a police complaint alleging irregularities and fraud. Earlier on the day of Katz's response, Gamliel had publicly accused Katz of attempting to "steal the election" for Attia. Katz's statement escalates the internal conflict within the Likud party, intensifying tensions over the final primary results.