Israeli Minister Caught on Tape Cursing Colleague's Husband Amid Election Dispute

A heated dispute over election results within the Likud party has escalated, with Tourism Minister Haim Katz reportedly caught on video verbally abusing the husband of Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel. The incident occurred during a hearing at the Likud tribunal concerning Gamliel's petition against the final primary election results. Gamliel and her husband, attorney Hovav Damari, had accused Katz of election fraud.

The controversy stems from a recount of votes, particularly from Be'er Yaakov, which led to MK Etty Atia, who is reportedly close to Minister Katz, overtaking Gamliel for a higher spot on the party's list. This pushed Gamliel down to the non-realistic 35th position. Gamliel's camp alleges the recount was falsified and has filed a police complaint against Katz and Likud Director-General David Sharan.

According to reports, Damari arrived at a security headquarters in Holon where the recount was taking place, demanding entry and shouting "They are stealing elections from me here!" It was during this confrontation that Katz allegedly directed the expletive-laden insult at Damari. Gamliel's team claims the ballot box was reopened without adequate notice for appeals, further fueling their accusations of manipulation.