Eisenkot's senior advisor wishes Tali Gottlieb success in Likud primaries

Ronen Manelis, senior advisor to Knesset member Gadi Eisenkot, published a surprising post on Monday ahead of the Likud primaries taking place today. In the post, Manelis wrote:

'Tali, good luck. Your success is our success,'

adding heart and hamsa emojis. The well-wishing comes on an especially tense day for Knesset member Gottlieb, who is fighting for her place on the party's list for the Knesset.

Gottlieb's name is in the eye of the storm following a report by Yinon Magal, according to which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a political discussion in his office regarding information about contacts between Gottlieb and May Golan concerning a move to Itamar Ben Gvir's party. Benjamin Netanyahu defined the data as 'disturbing,' but instructed not to intervene in the primaries. Despite this, heads of groups in Likud are already working to remove them from the recommendation lists.

Gottlieb responded to the storm and recalled her opposition to sending Aharon Barak to represent Israel in The Hague, contrary to the position of the Attorney General. According to her, Benjamin Netanyahu later admitted to her that she was right and that sending Barak was a terrible mistake that disgraced right-wing voters. Gottlieb clarified that she is proud of her words and that since the incident, the Prime Minister has been listening to her professional advice with great attention.

Polling stations across the country opened today, from Eilat to Kiryat Shmona, and voting in the Likud movement's primaries is expected to continue until 21:00. About 140,000 registered members of the movement will decide the fate of 124 candidates. Due to the density and the eight reserved spots held by Benjamin Netanyahu, the actual struggle is for only about 15 realistic spots.

While members like Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz joined other parties and Gideon Sa'ar was reserved a spot, Benjamin Netanyahu expressed official support for Almog Cohen and district candidates Erez Tadmor and Shlomo Lerner. At the center of the election day is Minister Nir Barkat in the shadow of attempts to oust him from the top. Initial results are expected around 23:00, and the official picture will become clear during tomorrow.