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

The Likud party's primary elections have sparked controversy over alleged vote irregularities, potentially leading to a significant reshuffle in the party's Knesset list. The dispute centers on whether MK Eti Atiya, a close ally of Minister Haim Katz, received more votes than Minister Gila Gamliel, which would place Atiya in a realistic slot on the list and push Gamliel out. Katz, who chairs the Likud Central Committee, claimed that Atiya surpassed Gamliel in votes after a recount, despite initial official results showing Gamliel with 22,087 votes and Atiya with 21,633.

The party conducted a partial recount amid accusations of vote rigging, particularly in polling stations in Be'er Ya'akov, where irregularities were noted, including MK Shason Guetta receiving more votes than the number of voters. Gamliel accused Katz of corruption and unethical tactics to secure Atiya's position, while Katz's office denied any wrongdoing, highlighting suspicious voting patterns favoring Gamliel's allies. The Likud party announced that a final decision on the list will be made after reviewing appeals, expected by the evening following the report.

This dispute has major implications for the upcoming Knesset elections. If Atiya is confirmed to have more votes, she will likely secure a realistic spot on the list and enter the next Knesset, while Gamliel, currently placed 25th, could be relegated to an unrealistic position, effectively ending her parliamentary and ministerial career after over 20 years. The reshuffle could also affect other ministers and MKs placed in nonviable slots, such as Ze'ev Elkin, May Golan, Idit Silman, and Avi Dichter, the latter expected to receive a reserved spot.

The primaries followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to allocate eight reserved slots on the Likud list, including one for Katz, who did not run himself but supported Atiya. The final list composition remains pending the party's official confirmation after the appeals process concludes.