Transportation Minister Miri Regev said Tuesday on 103fm that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu never told her he wanted Likud to replace internal primaries with a “nominating committee,” despite reports that he had considered the move. She said there were advisers and local leaders around him who recommended it, but stressed, “At no stage did he say he was in favor.” Regev said it was clear the party would hold primaries and that 150,000 Likud members would vote for the slate.
On Netanyahu’s request for 10 reserved spots on the list, Regev said the matter would be decided through talks and that the prime minister would receive reserved places, though not for the first time. She refused to criticize Likud MK Tali Gottlieb, who has drawn fire over conspiracy claims about the October 7 attack, saying the decision belongs to party members. “If Likud members choose her, of course we will be proud of her,” she said.
As a cabinet member, Regev also rejected claims of a diplomatic collapse in Lebanon. She said Israel is operating deep in Lebanon and in the south, has found tunnels and weapons, and is destroying underground infrastructure near the border. “I do not know what collapse they are talking about,” she said, adding that the IDF has freedom of action in southern Lebanon and can neutralize any threat to soldiers or civilians.
Regev sharply criticized Yesh Atid? No, she targeted Yamina and National Unity leader Naftali Bennett, saying he changes his position from day to day and “does not know what is happening.” On Iran talks led by Washington, she said Israel must stay alert, keep U.S. cooperation aligned with Israeli interests, and prevent both a nuclear Iran and any pullback from the “yellow line” in Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms.
She also addressed congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, saying pressure she applied helped move 24 aircraft out of the airport from an original 75, but that many U.S. aircraft remain. Regev said Israeli officials are holding near-daily status calls with the IDF, defense minister, and National Security Council so the refueling aircraft can be moved, either to Air Force bases or out of Israel, to free space for civilian aviation in July and August.
