Gottlieb Considers Leaving Likud Over Netanyahu's Alleged Sabotage

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb has stated she would consider leaving the Likud party if offered a position by another party, citing disappointment with her 12th-place finish in the party's primaries and alleged pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle. Gottlieb wrote on Monday that while she has not yet received an offer from another party, she would consider it if presented with a "realistic offer" from a party that respects her electoral strength and would allow her to serve as a minister in a significant role. She accused the Prime Minister's campaign team of sidelining her and portraying her as a weakening force within Likud, despite her stated commitment to right-wing governance and curbing the power of the Supreme Court. Gottlieb expressed frustration that Netanyahu allegedly prevented her from being appointed Minister of Justice or chairing the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, instead pushing her to a "hidden edge."

She asserted that she had "laid down on the fence for the Prime Minister and the right-wing government" and would not allow herself to be "trampled." Gottlieb's primary election result at 12th place had previously disappointed her, and she attributed this outcome partly to efforts by Netanyahu's associates to undermine her candidacy. She claimed that despite these alleged efforts and a lack of direct support messages from the Prime Minister, Likud's right-wing voters fought strongly for her.