Ben Gvir Ultimatum to Likud Over MK Gottlieb's Party Move

Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben Gvir has issued an ultimatum to the Likud party, demanding a decision by the end of the day on whether they will "release" MK Tali Gottlieb to join his party's list. Ben Gvir conveyed a clear message: if Gottlieb is to be allowed to leave Likud, it must happen immediately, otherwise, he will proceed with finalizing his party's candidate list without her.

Likud has reportedly sought to delay a decision until closer to the September 7-8 deadline for submitting party lists for the 26th Knesset. The ultimatum follows a period of intense conflict between Gottlieb and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle. Gottlieb secured 12th place in Likud's primaries, but due to reserved spots and guaranteed representation, she was expected to be placed 20th on the final list. Her demand to retain the 12th position was rejected by Likud leadership.

Internal Likud polls reportedly indicated that a high placement for Gottlieb could cost the party 2-3 mandates, a concern Netanyahu acknowledged but stated he would not interfere with the primaries. Following the primary results, Gottlieb accused Netanyahu's associates of orchestrating her downfall. The tension escalated recently with Gottlieb alleging in a private event that Netanyahu was seeking a pardon in exchange for dropping his judicial reform efforts, a claim Likud vehemently denied as baseless.

Gottlieb further intensified her rhetoric, telling Kol Barama radio that Netanyahu had "stabbed her in the back." She has openly signaled her willingness to consider joining another party, specifically Otzma Yehudit. She stated she would "seriously consider" a concrete offer that reflects her electoral strength, and expressed openness to a good offer from Otzma Yehudit.

Ben Gvir had previously offered Gottlieb the second spot on the Otzma Yehudit list before the Likud primaries, but she opted to run with Likud at the time. Reports now suggest Ben Gvir is aiming for a top-five spot for her, possibly fourth. However, Ben Gvir is unwilling to proceed without Netanyahu's explicit consent, having previously stated he would not advance Gottlieb's candidacy without a decision from the Prime Minister.