Likud Orders Another Recount in Primary Election Amid Controversy

The Likud party announced a new recount of ballots in the Be'er Ya'akov polling stations following a decision by the party's election committee. The final results will be updated after appeals are reviewed on the upcoming Thursday. The party emphasized its commitment to the integrity of the election process and adherence to the directives of the Likud court and election committee.

Earlier, after a previous recount, a dramatic shift occurred in the primary results when Minister Haim Katz claimed that Eti Atiya surpassed Minister Gila Gamliel, securing her spot on the list. If officially confirmed, this would push Gamliel to an unrealistic position on the Likud Knesset list. Gamliel's team strongly denied these claims, accusing the recount of being conducted improperly and alleging that the count was "fraudulently manipulated in secret."

The fierce competition between Atiya and Gamliel centers on the third women's slot on the list and is expected to continue intensifying. Due to the mutual accusations and alleged irregularities, the final decision on which candidate will secure the realistic Knesset seat has been referred to the party's court, prompting the additional recount.