Ben Gvir's demand and Netanyahu's unequivocal answer: "One can give up on everyone, but not on her"

MK Tally Gotliv addressed on Monday the reports regarding attempts to push her out of the Likud list and claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu actually made it clear that he does not intend to give up on her. In a conversation with Gadi Ness on Radio North 104.5FM, Gotliv said:

"There was a conversation between Itamar Ben Gvir and Netanyahu, who asked the PM to give up on Gotliv. The PM said he could give up on anyone, but he would not give up on Gotliv. When they conducted a poll in the Prime Minister's circle, they reached the conclusion that I am worth 5 mandates."

Gotliv also addressed the reports in recent weeks surrounding her status in Likud:

"I am not a partner to the mockery and insults of the right from within and without. I think the people of the right are very intelligent and that is what drives the left crazy. A few weeks ago, a delusional loop started that the PM wants to push me out of the list. He issued a response that whoever wants to push me out is the media."

Gotliv's words come after the political commentator of "Maariv", Mati Tuchfeld, published that a discussion took place in Netanyahu's circle regarding Gotliv and May Golan, against the backdrop of fears that the two might move to Otzma Yehudit, and alongside claims that they might harm the Likud list. According to the publication, Netanyahu is not interested in seeing Gotliv fit into one of the top spots on the list. This is after the moves to reserve spots for Israel Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, and Haim Katz in the top ten also sparked assessments that they might push her down.

However, Gotliv's situation among the registered members actually looks strong. In a poll conducted by Dr. Nimrod Nir from the "Agam" institute between August 6 and 10 among 1,062 Likud members, she was ranked in second place with 70% support. Before her stands Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with 73%, and after her Boaz Bismuth with 69.2%.

The battle for the top of Likud

Simultaneously, an open struggle is taking place at the top of the list between some of the prominent names in the party. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Energy Minister Eli Cohen, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin are considered to have high chances of finishing in the top spots, while Gotliv has become one of the central variables in the race. Transport Minister Miri Regev is also waging a struggle for her status in the female top of Likud, and in recent days the competition between her and Gotliv has sharpened. Alongside them, Gila Gamliel and May Golan are also mentioned among the prominent contestants.

The assessment in the party remains that Ohana is the leading candidate to finish in first place. The question of Israel Katz's position may also affect the top. Sources in Likud emphasize that the final position that will be given to him will depend on the identity of the candidates who will finish in the top spots. The commitment to Katz is up to the sixth place, with the main assessment being that he will be placed in the fourth spot, and in an exceptional scenario, he may even reach the second place.