Likud Lawmaker Slams Netanyahu, Citing Betrayal Over Knesset List Placement

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb has escalated her criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of "stabbing her in the back" after she was placed in a low position on the Likud party's Knesset list. Gottlieb, who was relegated to the 20th spot, expressed her disappointment in an interview with Kol Barama radio, stating that despite her "immense loyalty" to Netanyahu and the right-wing government, she was being treated as a "trampled scapegoat."

In a series of Twitter posts, Gottlieb also criticized the Likud campaign, describing it as "repugnant towards women" and highlighting a campaign video featuring only men. She pointed out the video's omission of any discussion regarding the fight against the Supreme Court's rulings or the "persecution of right-wing individuals."

Gottlieb claimed that Netanyahu followed his advisors' counsel to "assassinate" her chances in the primaries. She stated that she secured the 12th spot through the support of right-wing Likud members, but the reserved spots pushed her down to 20th. She further alleged that campaign officials are briefing against her, portraying her as a weakening force within the party, and that she has been excluded from campaign activities.

Gottlieb also mentioned that she would seriously consider offers from other parties that respect her electoral strength and potential to serve as a minister, though she currently has no such offers. The internal party disputes come as the deadline for finalizing party lists approaches.