Netanyahu Forced to Accept David Bitan and Tali Gottlieb in Likud Despite Opposition

Journalist Barak Seri discussed the recent Likud party primaries on 103fm radio, focusing on the surprising inclusion of David Bitan and Tali Gottlieb in the realistic Knesset list. For months, reports indicated that half of the Likud list would be ousted from the Knesset. Despite this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly opposed to having Bitan and Gottlieb on the list but will now have to accept their presence.

According to reports, Netanyahu's inner circle attempted to politically eliminate Gottlieb, Bitan, and Nir Barkat, the latter of whom was accused of trying to depose Netanyahu after the elections. Following the primary results, Gottlieb openly criticized Netanyahu's leadership, accusing the party's top echelon of warning voters against supporting her.

Additionally, Hili Tropper declared that he would not join a Netanyahu-led government, signaling ongoing internal tensions within the party. These developments highlight the complex dynamics within Likud as Netanyahu faces challenges from within his own ranks ahead of the upcoming Knesset session.