Two weeks after the Likud primary and amid serious allegations of voting irregularities, the Likud party announced Sunday evening that Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel had fallen to 35th place on the party slate, outside the realistic slots.
MK Eti Atiya secured the 25th position, which is considered realistic and reserved for ensuring female representation.
The dramatic shift in the rankings followed a closely contested race for the women’s slot, which was ultimately decided after the party raised concerns over irregular results at two polling stations in Be’er Ya’akov.
Following those concerns, a decision was made last week to reopen the ballots and conduct a recount. The final results were released Sunday evening after the appeals review process was completed.
The recount in Be’er Ya’akov also triggered a bitter dispute between Gamliel and Minister Haim Katz, who is considered an ally of Atiya. As tensions escalated, Gamliel filed a police complaint against Katz and Likud Director-General David Sharan.
The disputed polling stations in Be’er Ya’akov were recounted at least three times last Tuesday, but the official announcement was delayed until Sunday evening. According to the updated results, MK Moshe Saada was ranked 10th on the list before the reserved slots are incorporated. Assuming all reserved positions are filled, he will ultimately be placed 17th.
Gamliel responded, "We have filed a petition with the court. I will not let Haim Katz steal my election for Eti Atiya."
Katz said, "Over the past week, I have been subjected to a barrage of lies and slander by Ms. Gamliel, her family members and her associates. The only reason I have exercised restraint is the good of the Likud on the eve of fateful elections for Israel's future."