Likud Lawmaker Slams Netanyahu, Hints at Party Switch

Member of Knesset (MK) Tali Gottlieb has escalated her criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fueling speculation that she may leave the Likud party ahead of the next elections. Gottlieb suggested she is considering a move to another party, possibly Otzma Yehudit led by Itamar Ben-Gvir.

In an interview with Kol Barama radio, Gottlieb stated that Netanyahu "stabbed me in the back," adding that she conveyed this directly to the Prime Minister. This follows a social media post where she claimed to have "laid myself on the line" for Netanyahu and the right-wing government, but felt excluded from the Likud campaign.

Gottlieb also discussed her political future with Kan 11, not confirming any official offer to leave Likud but not ruling out the possibility. "When there is an offer, I will serve the people of Israel in the appropriate way and according to my abilities," she said.

Reports indicate Gottlieb is seeking a reserved spot, number 12, on the Likud list, and threatened to consider other parties if her demand is not met. Likud has reportedly rejected this ultimatum. The dispute has also involved disagreements over the Likud campaign strategy and the judicial reform, with Gottlieb expressing frustration that the campaign is not focusing on curbing the power of the Supreme Court, a key issue for her.

Likud officials have strongly refuted Gottlieb's recent claims. The political arena is now watching to see if this is another internal party crisis or a precursor to her actual departure before the elections.