Ben Gvir Issues Ultimatum to Likud on Gottlieb's Transfer

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has issued a stern ultimatum to senior figures in the Likud party, demanding they finalize the technical and legal procedures for transferring Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb to the Otzma Yehudit party today. Ben Gvir warned that if the necessary steps are not completed by the end of the day, the "window of opportunity" will close.

Ben Gvir stated his intention to begin informing Otzma Yehudit's candidates of their Knesset list placements today, a move that would make reversing the arrangement impossible. He criticized Likud for engaging in "empty briefings" to the media instead of taking concrete action, emphasizing that further delays would be too late.

The minister's sharpened message comes amid a significant gap between Likud's public statements and the actual progress on the transfer. Despite recent reports of intensive negotiations, no practical steps have been taken. Sources within Otzma Yehudit believe Likud is attempting to extract further concessions in exchange for Gottlieb's transfer, calling the deal itself highly speculative and noting internal opposition within Otzma Yehudit.

Otzma Yehudit also anticipates that the public dispute and Gottlieb's perceived sidelining by Likud could benefit them electorally, potentially attracting voters who sympathize with her criticisms of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his inner circle. Gottlieb herself has indicated openness to a move, stating in a recent interview that the Prime Minister does not want her in Likud and that she would consider a concrete offer, otherwise she might have to resign from the Knesset.