Likud Primaries Controversy: Gila Gamliel Faces Possible Ouster Amid Vote Dispute

The Likud party's primary elections have sparked controversy over close results and allegations of vote tampering, potentially leading to a significant change in the party's Knesset list. Minister Haim Katz claimed that MK Eti Atiya, an ally of his, received more votes than Minister Gila Gamliel, which, if confirmed, would place Atiya in the realistic 25th spot on the list, pushing Gamliel out. The official results initially showed Gamliel with 22,087 votes and Atiya with 21,633 votes, placing Gamliel in the 25th spot and Atiya much lower.

Following suspicions of fraud, Likud conducted a partial recount, particularly in polling stations in Be'er Ya'akov, where irregularities were noted, including MK Sasson Guetta receiving more votes than the number of voters. Katz asserted that Atiya surpassed Gamliel in the recount, while Gamliel accused Katz of corruption and election manipulation. Likud officials responded by highlighting inconsistencies in Gamliel's camp's claims and denied any interference by Katz.

The party plans to announce final results after reviewing appeals by the evening following the recount. If Atiya is confirmed to have more votes, she is expected to secure a realistic position on the list and enter the next Knesset, while Gamliel, who has served intermittently since 2003, could be pushed out entirely. This shift would also affect other ministers and MKs placed in non-realistic slots, potentially reshaping the party's parliamentary and ministerial composition.

The primaries followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to allocate eight reserved slots on the list, including one for Katz, who did not run but supported Atiya. The outcome of this dispute will influence Likud's lineup for the upcoming elections and the formation of the next government.