Mai Golan Turns Down Ben-Gvir Offer, Stays With Likud

Israel's Minister for Social Equality May Golan issued a statement Monday addressing reports about her future following her disappointing placement in Likud's primary elections. According to her office, Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir reached out to her on his own initiative, offering her a realistic spot on his party's list for the 26th Knesset, an offer she turned down.

"Contrary to publications and false briefings, no negotiations took place between the sides," the statement read. Golan's office emphasized that Ben-Gvir approached her directly with the proposal, which she declined.

According to the statement, she told Ben-Gvir that while she holds him in high regard and affection, her path has been and remains with the Likud movement. She maintained this position despite what her office described as "false briefings" released against her ahead of the primaries, which were intended to damage her standing.

Golan stressed her commitment to the voters who supported her in the Likud primaries. "Minister May Golan sees herself as obligated to the approximately 19,000 free Likud members who voted for her, despite the deals and elimination lists that were operated against her," the statement said. "She will continue to give them expression from every platform, to fight for the path and future of the national camp, and to work toward establishing a true right-wing government."

In closing, she announced she would be taking a break from politics. "After 15 consecutive years of non-stop public work day and night, including seven years in the Knesset, while simultaneously serving as a minister managing tremendous struggles, I feel this is the right time for me to take a timeout for myself," she wrote. She added a message to supporters in the national camp: "Remember - everything, but everything is for the best! The people of Israel live."

Golan was pushed to an unrealistic position on the Likud Knesset list following the primary results. In response, she issued a strongly worded statement accusing "lying spin doctors and elimination lists" and referring to "briefers on behalf of the Prime Minister" who decided she was "interfering."

Likud primaries (צילום: Sharon Leibel/Flash90)

The statement comes during a turbulent period for right-wing parties in Israel. Several days ago, Ben-Gvir revealed that Knesset Member Tally Gotliv would be placed in the second spot on the Otzma Yehudit list. This came after Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf offered on his own initiative to give up the third spot that had been designated for Gotliv, allowing her to move up to second place instead of him.