Likud Primaries Turn Ugly as Haim Katz Curses Gila Gamliel's Husband Over Recount
A bitter dispute over Likud primary rankings escalated as Minister Haim Katz cursed at Minister Gila Gamliel's husband. Gamliel has filed a police complaint alleging election fraud during a recount.
The battle over placements on the Likud electoral list ahead of the registration deadline has degenerated into a bitter confrontation. Minister Haim Katz, who currently holds four different portfolios (Tourism, Housing, Health, and Welfare), was recorded using profanity against the husband of Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel.
Katz directed the slurs at attorney Hovav Demri, Gamliel's husband, during a Likud party court hearing. The dispute arose from a petition filed by Gamliel against the final primary results published by the party, following accusations from her and her husband that Haim Katz was "stealing the election."
The Recount Dispute
Following a recent recount of the votes, MK Eti Atiah—who is closely aligned with Haim Katz—surpassed Gamliel to secure the higher spot reserved for female candidates. As a result, Minister Gamliel was pushed down to the 35th position on the list, which is widely considered unrealistic for entering the Knesset. Gamliel's associates claimed the recount was forged and petitioned for an injunction.
The saga began with allegations of irregularities during the Likud primaries, prompting the party's election committee to convene. Officials investigated typographical errors that could alter realistic spots on the list, focusing primarily on ballot boxes from Beer Yaakov, where a recount was ordered.
Police Complaint Filed
The confrontation between Gamliel and Katz over the Beer Yaakov recount escalated further when Gamliel filed an official police complaint against Katz and Likud Director-General Dudu Sharan.
Gamliel's camp argued that the ballot boxes were reopened without allowing time for petitions, claiming the recount was fraudulent. Footage from the scene showed Gamliel's husband arriving at the Reshef Security headquarters in Holon, where the recount took place. After being denied entry, he shouted:
"They are stealing an election from me here!"
In response to these accusations, Haim Katz cursed at Hovav Demri, telling him to leave the premises.
