Likud MK Tali Gottlieb Criticizes Netanyahu's Circle After Securing 12th Spot in Primaries

Tali Gottlieb, a member of the Knesset from the Likud party, secured the 12th position in the recent Likud primaries. Following the results, she launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle, accusing them of attempting to block her from achieving a high ranking on the party list. In a tweet, Gottlieb thanked the party members who supported her but pointedly claimed that Netanyahu's environment worked hard to weaken her, including coordinated efforts to avoid voting for her and the absence of any direct message from Netanyahu to bolster her campaign.

Gottlieb emphasized the strong support she received from right-wing Likud voters, calling them loyal and wise. She vowed not to remain silent even if she faces restrictions on media interviews. Additionally, she warned that she will publicly oppose any attempts by Netanyahu's advisers to steer the party toward the political center or closer to Gadi Eizenkot, whom she associates with left-wing and unity rhetoric.

Her statements concluded with a quote from Ze'ev Jabotinsky's poem "Left of the Jordan," underscoring her nationalist stance. Gottlieb's 12th-place finish is significant given prior reports of concern within Likud's leadership about her rising influence. She framed her result as a victory for the party's rank-and-file members over efforts to undermine her and signaled she will maintain a firm political stance in the upcoming Knesset session.