Likud Lawmaker Warns of Forged Ballots in 2026 Primaries Amid Internal Tensions

During the tense 2026 Likud primaries, Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb issued an unusual warning to party voters about forged ballots circulating at polling stations. Gottlieb claimed that in various locations across Israel, ballot forms were being distributed with her name deliberately omitted, which she attributed to efforts by party operatives and vote contractors to undermine her chances of re-election.

Gottlieb described the situation as a sign of panic among the party's traditional power brokers, who are reportedly alarmed by the growing influence of "free votes", voters not bound by established party deals or recommended slates. She urged Likud members to remain vigilant and report any irregularities directly to her, emphasizing that any polling station found with forged or defective ballots could have its votes invalidated.

In a post on the social media platform X, Gottlieb called on registered Likud members to carefully check their ballots before voting and to notify her immediately of any suspicious activity to ensure the integrity of the election process within the party. This development highlights internal factional struggles within Likud ahead of the upcoming primaries, with the traditional establishment apparently clashing with emerging independent voter blocs.