Gottlieb Threatens to Join Ben-Gvir's Party Amid Likud Snub

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb has explained her potential move to Itamar Ben-Gvir's "Otzma Yehudit" party stems from a fear that the Likud party will not secure enough mandates, leading to her own political downfall and potential detention by the Shin Bet.

In an interview with Channel 14, Gottlieb stated that right-wing voters want her, and she represents a significant electoral asset to Likud. She indicated that she would remain with Likud if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would offer her the 12th spot on the party's list.

Gottlieb claimed that if Likud receives only 19 mandates and she is not elected to the Knesset, she would find herself in Shin Bet detention facilities due to her past actions. She referenced the indictment against her for publishing the name of a Shin Bet agent, an act she undertook for the government. The Knesset granted her immunity, which exempts her from trial during the current term but requires a new request in the next Knesset.

Despite finishing 12th in Likud's primaries, Gottlieb was placed 20th on the list due to Netanyahu's reserved spots. She wrote on X that she has not yet received an offer from another party but would consider a "realistic offer" from a party that respects her electoral strength and would allow her to serve as a minister.

She further stated she would not be "trampled" while fighting against the "bureaucratic regime" and "outrageous rulings" of the Supreme Court. Gottlieb believes Netanyahu's advisors intentionally sabotaged her primary campaign. However, a conversation between Gottlieb and Ben-Gvir has surfaced, with the Otzma Yehudit leader interested in adding her to his list, potentially in the fourth position. Ben-Gvir stated he is awaiting Netanyahu's decision on Gottlieb's status before making any moves.