Likud MK Tali Gottlieb Accuses Netanyahu's Inner Circle of Undermining Her in Primaries

As about 80% of the Likud primary votes were counted on August 18, 2026, Knesset member Tali Gottlieb secured a realistic spot on the party list but launched a sharp attack against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's close advisors. Gottlieb accused them of deliberately trying to weaken her during the voting process, claiming she was the only candidate not to receive a supportive message from Netanyahu himself. She wrote that despite coordinated efforts to block her, right-wing Likud voters fought hard for her, and she praised their loyalty and wisdom.

Gottlieb also warned against any shift in the party's political direction toward the center, referencing figures like Gadi Eisenkot and terms such as "left" and "unity." She vowed not to remain silent even if she were barred from giving interviews. The primary results showed Eli Cohen leading overall, with Amir Ohana, Yariv Levin, and Miri Regev following. Regev emerged as the top-ranking woman in the party, placing fourth overall with about 9,000 more votes than Gottlieb, who rose from the third tier to 12th place.

The second tier of candidates included notable names such as Moshe Saada, Shlomo Karai, David Bitan, and Gila Gamliel. Gottlieb's confrontation highlights internal tensions within Likud ahead of the upcoming elections, reflecting struggles over the party's ideological direction and leadership support.