Internal Likud Tensions

Gottlieb Slams Netanyahu Over Dichter Plan

Following reports that the prime minister intends to reserve a Knesset slot for former minister Avi Dichter after he failed to secure a viable position in primaries, Gotliv accused Netanyahu of undermining party democracy

Gila Isaacson, Srugim

AUG 19, 2026 14:52

2 min read

Likud Member of Knesset Tally Gotliv has publicly rebuked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again, this time over reports that he plans to reserve a spot on the party's Knesset list for Avi Dichter, a former minister who failed to win a realistic position in the recent Likud primaries.

In a pointed statement, she addressed Netanyahu directly: "Mr. Prime Minister, with all due respect. After we placed our trust in your desire to refresh the Likud list with eight reserved slots, it turns out that alongside Haim Katz, who received an exemption from the primaries, you intend to reserve a spot for Avi Dichter, who was unsuccessful in the primaries." She also emphasized that the reserved positions the party had approved were meant to enable Netanyahu "to recruit men and women for the purpose of strengthening the list."

She added:

"I won't dwell on what speaks less to you regarding democracy in Likud, the will of the voters, and their actual decision. [However, if Netanyahu intends to grant a reserved slot to someone who failed in the primaries] the way to do this is as follows: cancel the slots you saved for new faces in the second ten, and promote those who were elected to those positions. Push the reserved slots for those who didn't succeed in the primaries to the third ten. At least that would look decent.

By the way, start by giving an opportunity to the female Knesset members. Because how should I put it, it's a shame to play into the hands of the left with a campaign about excluding women in Likud."

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