Internal Polls Warn Netanyahu of Electoral Risk if Tali Gottlieb Rises in Likud Primaries
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Internal Likud polls warn Prime Minister Netanyahu that Knesset member Tali Gottlieb’s rise in the party list could cost two to three seats in general elections. Despite concerns, Netanyahu refrains from direct intervention, trusting party members to decide in the upcoming primaries.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Internal polls show Tali Gottlieb’s rise could cost Likud 2-3 Knesset seats in general elections.
- Gottlieb is expected to rank in the second top ten of the Likud list due to strong member support.
- Likud leadership fears Gottlieb’s prominence may alienate key voter groups.
- A closed-door discussion recommended efforts to reduce Gottlieb’s backing among party members.
- Netanyahu called the data 'disturbing' but chose not to intervene officially.
- Netanyahu expressed trust that party members will make the right choice in the primaries.
On the eve of the Likud party primaries, internal polls presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed a significant electoral risk linked to the potential rise of Knesset member Tali Gottlieb within the party list. According to the polls, Gottlieb is expected to secure a spot in the second top ten of the Likud list due to strong support among party members, but her high placement could cost the party two to three Knesset seats in the general elections by alienating key voter segments.
The findings, reported by Amit Segal on Channel 12 News, sparked concern among Likud leadership, who fear that Gottlieb’s prominence might reduce the party’s appeal and hinder its efforts to broaden its support base. During a closed-door discussion last Friday, some participants recommended taking steps to moderate the backing for Gottlieb among party members to prevent her from reaching the upper ranks of the list.
Prime Minister Netanyahu described the poll results as "disturbing data" but chose not to intervene directly or officially in the primaries. Instead, he sent a strong indirect message to party members, expressing confidence that they would make the right choices in the primaries. The Likud primaries are scheduled for the following day, with party members set to determine the order of candidates on the Knesset list. It remains uncertain whether Netanyahu’s subtle signal will influence voters or if they will decide based on other considerations.
