MK Tali Gottlieb claims: This is the message I received from the PM's office

Likud MK Tali Gottlieb addressed recent reports concerning her on Saturday evening, just two days before the Likud primaries, claiming that media figures are attempting to influence party members and their vote.

"In light of the false briefings by the 'poison channels' regarding me, which aim to influence you, the Likud members, and your vote for me, a message was passed to me from the Prime Minister's office to ignore and not relate to lies from one pet journalist or another!" wrote Gottlieb.

The MK added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is aware of her strength among Likud members and her ability to bring votes to the party. She stated that she represents a significant right-wing electoral force that is bringing voters back to the Likud. She expressed gratitude for the trust and support of her voters, despite the opposition of left-wing media.

These remarks come against the backdrop of tension within the Likud ahead of the primaries scheduled for this coming Monday. Recently, C14 reported on a move led by Netanyahu to reserve a series of candidates, which analysts suggested could potentially sideline Gottlieb, who is considered a particularly strong candidate in the primaries.

Gottlieb's strength among right-wing voters has been reflected in the C14 primaries project, where she has held the top spot in user rankings since early July, ahead of MKs Moshe Saada and Boaz Bismuth.

This is not the first time Gottlieb has claimed that media coverage is intended to manipulate Likud voters. Last month, she dismissed reports that she might leave the party, clarifying that she has no intention of retiring and labeling such reports as attempts to pressure right-wing voters.

At the same time, Gottlieb has been campaigning on the importance of Likud members' right to determine the party list themselves. She has sharply criticized past suggestions to cancel primaries in favor of an organizing committee, questioning: "Who are you to decide instead of the Likud voters?"

Earlier this week, Gottlieb was at the center of a controversy after being filmed at a home meeting calling on right-wing voters to go to the polls despite potential disappointment with the government's performance: "As much as we are a mediocre government – vote for us." Following criticism, she clarified that she was referring to the coalition's failure to curb the power of the Supreme Court.