Likud Primary Elections

Protest Leader Backs Likud's Gottlieb

Costa Black, a prominent anti-government protest activist, publicly wished success to two Likud women in the party's primary election and predicted the voting outcome

Ariel Sharfer, Srugim

AUG 17, 2026 14:17

2 min read

Costa Black, a well-known figure in Israel's anti-government protest movement, made an unusual statement on Monday regarding the Likud party's internal primary elections. Black publicly expressed support for two female candidates: MK Tally Gotliv and Minister May Golan.

In his remarks, Black wrote: "I understand that today is the Likud primary and at least half of the current MKs will be going home. That's a good start. I also understand that Netanyahu is trying to eliminate Gotliv, May Golan, Barkat and Bitan. I don't particularly care about the last two, but Gotliv and May Golan, in my opinion, accurately represent today's Likud. Therefore I wish them to finish as high as possible".

Minister Miri Regev (Photo: Flash90/Avshalom Sassoni)

Black went on to offer his analysis of the expected results: "There are polls showing Gotliv in second place after Ohana, but with a small gap. In other words, an upset is possible. Either way, she will most likely finish second in the primary, or sixth on the list after Netanyahu's reserved slots, and will be the first woman in Likud after Miri Regev held that title for years. Silman, one of the most disliked figures in politics, will probably find herself in an unrealistic position and off the list. Gamliel and Amsalem will also likely be out. Saada, Bismuth and Shikli are expected to finish high. Voter turnout, in my opinion, will be around 50%", Costa Black concluded.

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