Otzma Yehudit Offered MK Gottlieb Second Spot Before Likud Primaries

Otzma Yehudit party chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir offered MK Tali Gottlieb the second spot on his party's list prior to the Likud primaries, a position that would have placed her immediately behind him. Gottlieb reportedly rejected the offer at the time, preferring to remain with the Likud and compete for a high position on its list.

Following the Likud primaries, Gottlieb secured the 12th spot, which was later pushed to 20th after reserved slots were allocated. In the past day, Gottlieb has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates, alleging they worked to politically sideline her, excluded her from the Likud campaign, and that Netanyahu does not intend for her to serve as Justice Minister or even chair the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee.

Gottlieb recently posted on X, formerly Twitter, indicating openness to joining another party if a "realistic offer" were made by a party that respects her electoral strength and ability to hold a significant ministerial role. She stated that no such offer has been made yet.

Sources close to Ben-Gvir have not ruled out the possibility of Gottlieb joining Otzma Yehudit before candidate lists are finalized next week. They note ideological closeness between Ben-Gvir and Gottlieb, with Ben-Gvir having previously publicly supported her and recommended her to Likud members during the primaries. Gottlieb is seen as potentially bringing voters from the Likud to Otzma Yehudit, a key competitor for votes.