Tali Gottlieb Nears Move to Ben Gvir's Party Pending Netanyahu's Approval

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb is reportedly close to joining the Otzma Yehudit party, having reached a preliminary agreement with party leader Itamar Ben Gvir. Ben Gvir believes Gottlieb could bring two Knesset seats to his party, according to internal polls. However, the move is contingent on Gottlieb officially leaving the Likud party with the blessing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben Gvir wishes to avoid conflict with Likud and especially with the Prime Minister, making Netanyahu's approval crucial for the transfer.

Otzma Yehudit issued a statement urging the Likud to complete the necessary procedures for Gottlieb's transfer immediately if they support it, warning that the window of opportunity is closing. Ben Gvir intends to begin informing Otzma Yehudit's candidates of their placements on the party's Knesset list soon, after which changes would be difficult. Sources within Otzma Yehudit claim that despite media reports, the Likud has not taken practical steps to facilitate the move and that initiatives to advance it have stalled.

Otzma Yehudit believes the Likud may be delaying to seek further concessions. The party also emphasizes that Gottlieb's potential addition is not finalized and faces internal opposition, meaning the longer the delay, the less likely the move becomes. Nevertheless, Otzma Yehudit believes that the tension between Gottlieb and Likud could benefit them electorally, even if she ultimately does not join their list.