Likud Primaries See Key Endorsements as Tal Gottlieb Excluded Amid Fraud Claims

The Likud party is holding its primaries on Monday amid ongoing internal conflicts within Israel's ruling party. Yechiel Zohar, mayor of Netivot and a significant power broker within Likud due to his large supporter base, released his preferred candidate list ahead of the vote. His lineup includes prominent figures such as Amir Ohana, David Bitan, Dudi Amsalem, Gila Gamliel, Miki Zohar, Eli Cohen, Ofir Katz, Yariv Levin, Nir Barkat, Shlomo Karai, and Miri Regev.

In addition to these main candidates, Zohar's list also expects votes for several other MKs and ministers, including Shalom Danino, Almog Cohen, Ze'ev Elkin, Sasson Guetta, Avi Dichter, Hanoch Milwitsky, Idit Silman, Amichai Shikli, and Keti Shitrit. Notably absent from Zohar's list is MK Tal Gottlieb, whose exclusion is not attributed to any directive from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or his associates.

Despite previous tensions, the list includes David Bitan, who has clashed with Netanyahu, and Nir Barkat, whose alleged failed coup attempt against Netanyahu has been a significant obstacle. Meanwhile, Tal Gottlieb accused Likud polling stations of distributing forged ballots that omit her name, urging voters to remain vigilant and report any irregularities. She warned that any polling station using fraudulent forms would be disqualified.

The primaries reflect the ongoing power struggles within Likud, with key figures jockeying for influence ahead of the party's candidate selection process. The outcome will shape the party's direction and leadership dynamics moving forward.