Dispute Over Dramatic Vote Gap in Likud Primary Ballot Box in Be'er Ya'akov

A major controversy has erupted within the Likud party over the results of a primary ballot box in Be'er Ya'akov, which could decide the 25th spot on the party list reserved for women. The dispute is primarily between Minister Gila Gamliel and Knesset Member Eti Atiya, following a recount that revealed a significant discrepancy of 137 votes between the initial count and the recount results. Initially, Gamliel was recorded as receiving 240 votes, but the recount showed only 103 votes for her, raising serious questions about the integrity of the process.

A senior Likud official told Kikar HaShabbat that if discrepancies between the signed protocol and the entered results are confirmed, it could constitute a criminal matter. The ballot box was kept in storage for eight days before the recount, which has fueled concerns about the validity of the results. Gamliel petitioned the Likud court to halt the recount, but the request was denied. The court has demanded clarifications from the party's legal advisor regarding the basis for the recount, the election committee's protocol, and allegations of result alterations.

The presence of observers during voting and counting has also been contested. Gamliel's camp claims her observer was present throughout voting despite court rulings limiting observers to counting hours, while her opponents say no representative was allowed during the recount, with a representative of Likud's Haim Katz present instead. Supporters of Gamliel accuse Katz and Atiya of orchestrating a "coup attempt," while others deny Katz's involvement in manipulating results.

The outcome of the recount could dramatically affect Gamliel's position on the Likud list, potentially pushing her out of a realistic spot, while Atiya might secure the reserved women's slot. In light of this controversy, Likud officials have indicated that future primaries will be conducted digitally, eliminating paper ballots and physical polling stations. The party now awaits the election committee's decision and the legal advisor's response, which will determine the final standings of Gamliel and Atiya on the list.