Tali Gottlieb Accuses Likud Leadership of Blocking Netanyahu's Primary Election Plan

Knesset member Tali Gottlieb publicly criticized senior Likud ministers Haim Katz, Yariv Levin, and Israel Katz for opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's initiative to hold primary elections within the party. Gottlieb accused these ministers of trying to cancel the primaries and replace the public vote with a selection committee, a move she strongly opposes. She stated that Netanyahu insists on primaries out of respect for the voters, but the ministers are "holding Netanyahu by the throat" to prevent this.

Gottlieb also condemned an anonymous SMS campaign targeting her stance, urging party leaders to be transparent and courageous instead of hiding behind false messages. She emphasized her openness and commitment to the democratic process, saying, "I stand openly behind every word I say."

The internal conflict arises amid efforts by some Likud officials to shift the candidate selection power from the party's registered voters to a central committee. Gottlieb vowed to continue fighting for the primaries, asserting that Likud voters should decide the party's Knesset candidates. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the party leadership ahead of upcoming elections.