Likud's Tali Gottlieb Predicts Broad Right-Wing Government After Primaries

Likud MK Tali Gottlieb expressed confidence that the party's upcoming primaries will produce an attractive candidate list for the Knesset. In an interview with Channel 7, she anticipated that Prime Minister Netanyahu will secure several reserved spots on the list, estimating six or seven rather than eleven. Gottlieb distanced herself from Netanyahu's suggestion of forming a broad national government after the elections, instead advocating for a "very broad right-wing government" grounded in the values of the Land of Israel, defeating enemies, and strengthening Jewish identity. She opposed including parties that do not share this vision.

Gottlieb also reiterated her call to conclude Netanyahu's trial, citing recent comments by judges regarding the bribery charge. She argued that without the bribery offense, the indictment would not have been filed. She sharply criticized the prosecution and the legal process, urging Netanyahu not to seek a presidential pardon. "Mr. Prime Minister, do not leave your gloves on. You do not need a pardon, because a pardon at this stage, after you have already testified, is a pardon for the prosecutors. It is a pardon for the persecutors. It is not a pardon for you," she stated.

Her remarks highlight ongoing tensions within Likud regarding the party's direction and Netanyahu's legal battles, as well as the strategic considerations ahead of the next government formation.