Gamliel Accuses Katz of Rigging Likud Primary Vote for Atiya

Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel has filed a petition with the Likud movement's tribunal, protesting her drop to 35th place on the party's Knesset list following a recount of primary votes. Gamliel directly accused fellow Likud minister Haim Katz of intervening in the process to benefit Etty Atiya, who is vying for the same reserved spot for women on the list.

Atiya currently holds 18th place with 22,210 votes, while Gamliel is in 20th with 21,754, a difference of 456 votes. This narrow margin is critical because of the Likud's mechanism for ensuring female representation. Atiya, ranked third among women, is placed 25th on the list due to this mechanism, pushing Gamliel, who would otherwise have secured a higher position, down to 35th.

Gamliel stated, "I will not let Haim Katz steal the election from me for Etty Atiya." The dispute highlights the intense internal power struggles within the Likud party, with the final list potentially subject to further changes based on appeals.

Eli Cohen topped the national primary results with 46,565 votes, followed by Amir Ohana and Yariv Levin. Miri Regev and Ofir Katz secured fourth and fifth place, respectively. The official vote count document notes that the results are subject to change pending any appeals.