Tali Gottlieb Criticizes Netanyahu Over Reserved Knesset Seats in Likud Primaries

Knesset member Tali Gottlieb sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following reports that he intends to reserve a Knesset slot for Avi Dichter, who failed to secure a realistic position in the Likud primaries. Gottlieb expressed concern that Netanyahu’s plan to reserve eight slots, including for Dichter and exempting Haim Katz from primaries, undermines the democratic process within the party. She emphasized that the reserved slots were meant to strengthen the list by recruiting new candidates, not to bypass voters’ choices.

A Likud insider revealed that Netanyahu is close to finalizing reserved seats for Kinneret Heads and Itzik Bonzel, as well as Yossi Ben Ater. Gottlieb suggested a more transparent approach: moving those who failed in the primaries to the third tier of the list while promoting those elected to the second tier, thus maintaining fairness. She also urged Netanyahu to give more opportunities to female Knesset members, warning that ignoring women could fuel left-wing criticism accusing Likud of sidelining women.

Gottlieb’s comments highlight ongoing tensions within Likud over the balance between party leadership influence and grassroots voter decisions ahead of the upcoming elections.