Israeli Minister Caught on Video Using Profanity Against Colleague's Husband

A heated dispute erupted between Israeli Minister Haim Katz and the husband of fellow minister Gila Gamliel, with Katz caught on video using offensive language against Gamliel's spouse, attorney Hovav Damari. The incident occurred on September 6 during a Likud party tribunal hearing concerning Gamliel's appeal against the primary election results. Gamliel and her husband had previously accused Katz of election manipulation.

Katz, who holds four ministerial portfolios including tourism, construction and housing, health, and social welfare, was reportedly involved in a conflict over a recount in Be'er Yaakov. Following this recount, MK Eti Atiya, considered an associate of Katz, overtook Gamliel for a reserved female spot on the Likud party list, pushing Gamliel to the 35th position, which is not considered a viable spot. Gamliel's camp alleged that the recount results were falsified and filed a court injunction request.

The controversy began with claims of irregularities during the Likud primaries, prompting the party's election committee to convene. Specifically, data entry errors that could affect the allocation of winnable list positions were under scrutiny. The dispute between Gamliel and Katz intensified over the Be'er Yaakov recount, leading Gamliel to file a police complaint against Katz and Likud Director-General David Sharan.

Supporters of Gamliel claimed the ballot box was reopened without allowing time for appeals and that the recount results were fabricated. Video footage obtained by Ynet shows Gamliel's husband arriving at the "Reshef" security company headquarters in Holon, where the recount was taking place. Denied entry, he exclaimed, "They are stealing my election here!" before Katz allegedly directed profanities at him.