Netanyahu Trusts Likud Members to Decide Amid Concerns Over Tali Gottlieb's List Placement

Ahead of the Likud party primaries, internal discussions revealed concerns among party leadership about the potential impact of placing Knesset member Tali Gottlieb high on the party list. Internal polls presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Gottlieb's prominent positioning could cost Likud 2 to 3 seats in the general elections by alienating key voter segments. The data showed Gottlieb enjoys significant support and is expected to secure a spot in the high twenties on the list.

In response, party officials recommended efforts to moderate support for Gottlieb among registered party members to prevent her from reaching top list positions. Netanyahu described the poll findings as "disturbing data" but chose not to intervene directly. Instead, he expressed confidence in the party members to make the right decisions during the primaries.

While refraining from openly opposing independent figures like Gottlieb and Nir Barkat, Netanyahu has publicly backed three candidates in the district races, signaling a strategic move to consolidate loyalists and prevent rival factions, particularly those aligned with MK David Bitan, from gaining autonomous power within the party. This approach mirrors tactics used by former U.S. President Donald Trump to secure influence over key party positions.

The final outcome of Netanyahu's political gamble will become clear after the primary voting concludes on Monday night, determining whether his strategy to shape a unified Likud list succeeds.