Likud MK Tali Gottlieb Denounces False Reports Ahead of Party Primaries

Likud Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb strongly rejected recent media reports suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to push her down the party list ahead of the upcoming Likud primaries. Speaking on Saturday evening, just two days before the primaries, Gottlieb accused certain media outlets of spreading false briefings aimed at influencing Likud members' votes against her. She stated that she received a message from the Prime Minister's Office instructing her to ignore these misleading reports.

Gottlieb emphasized Netanyahu's awareness of her strong support base within the party, highlighting her position as a significant right-wing electoral force capable of bringing votes to Likud. She expressed gratitude for her supporters despite opposition from left-leaning media. This statement comes amid internal tensions in Likud as Netanyahu reportedly orchestrates a plan to reserve spots for certain candidates, potentially sidelining Gottlieb, who has consistently ranked first in the C14 primaries poll with over 265,000 votes.

In recent months, Gottlieb has campaigned on empowering Likud members to decide the party list themselves, opposing suggestions to cancel the primaries or appoint a selection committee. She criticized attempts to undermine the voters' role as contrary to the party's principles. Earlier this week, she sparked controversy after urging right-wing voters to participate in elections despite disappointment with the government's performance, clarifying her remarks referred to the coalition's failure to curb the Supreme Court's influence.

Gottlieb has previously dismissed rumors about her leaving Likud, calling such reports attempts to mislead and pressure right-wing voters. The primaries are scheduled for Monday, with the party leadership's maneuvers and media narratives intensifying the contest for top list positions.