Netanyahu Firmly Supports Tali Gottlieb Amid Ben Gvir's Demands in Likud List Battle

Tali Gottlieb has dismissed reports claiming attempts to push her out of the Likud party list, stating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear he will not give up on her. She said, "In the Prime Minister's circle, they concluded that I am worth five mandates." Gottlieb criticized the media for spreading rumors that Netanyahu wanted to remove her, calling it a "crazy loop" and emphasizing that the Prime Minister himself denied such claims.

Recent polls indicate Gottlieb's strong standing among Likud members, with a survey conducted by Dr. Nimrod Nir of the Agam Institute between August 6 and 10 showing her in second place with 70% support among 1,062 Likud voters. She trails only Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who has 73%, and is ahead of Boaz Bismuth at 69.2%. The competition within Likud's top ranks is intensifying, particularly among women, with Transportation Minister Miri Regev also vying for a leading position alongside Gottlieb, Gila Gamliel, and Mai Golan.

Gottlieb's high ranking is seen not only as a personal achievement but also as an indicator of the strength of the more militant and confrontational faction within the outgoing Knesset's Likud members. Netanyahu is expected to maintain Ohana as the top candidate, with Eli Cohen, Yariv Levin, and Gottlieb also mentioned as leading contenders. The placement of Israel Katz remains uncertain and may depend on the final order of other candidates. Party insiders note that Katz is guaranteed a spot within the top six, likely fourth, and could potentially rise to second place in an unusual scenario.

This internal contest reflects ongoing strategic positioning within Likud ahead of the primaries, with Netanyahu signaling firm support for Gottlieb despite external pressures, including those from Itamar Ben Gvir.