Likud Lawmaker Gottlieb Considers Leaving Party Over Perceived Snubs

Member of Knesset (MK) Tali Gottlieb of the Likud party stated on social media that she would consider leaving the party if offered a realistic position in another party that would allow her to serve as a minister. Gottlieb, who has been a vocal critic of the judiciary and a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wrote that she had "laid down on the line for the Prime Minister and the right-wing government." She explained that while no such offer has been made, she would seriously consider it in order to represent her voters, especially if it meant a significant ministerial role.

Gottlieb expressed frustration with her current standing within Likud, claiming that Netanyahu's circle had worked to undermine her in the party's primaries, causing her to fall to the 20th spot on the list due to reserved slots, despite her belief she earned the 12th spot based on right-wing Likud voters' support. She also alleged that the Prime Minister had excluded her from the Likud campaign and that campaign staff were briefing against her, portraying her as a weakening force within the party.

She further stated her intention to curb the power of the Supreme Court, which she believes has overstepped its authority. Gottlieb believes Netanyahu decided against appointing her as Justice Minister or even Chair of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, opting instead to sideline her. She acknowledged that this was the Prime Minister's prerogative.

Senior Likud officials dismissed Gottlieb's claims as "baseless and false," asserting that the voters' decision in the primaries was clear and that her issue was with her own inability to accept it. They also claimed Gottlieb had demanded a reserved slot and wanted the 12th position.