Knesset Member Tally Gottlieb Nears Move to Otzma Yehudit, Reshaping Right-Wing Political Landscape

Knesset Member Tally Gottlieb is reportedly close to leaving the Likud party and joining Otzma Yehudit, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. This potential move could significantly alter the balance of power within both the governing coalition and the opposition ahead of future elections.

Discussions between the leaderships of Likud and Otzma Yehudit are in their final stages regarding Gottlieb's transfer. Gottlieb, who was placed 20th on Likud's primary list, reportedly feels sidelined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who she believes is attempting to remove her from the electoral slate or relegate her to a non-viable position.

Ben-Gvir has offered Gottlieb the fourth spot on the Otzma Yehudit list, a position that would likely ensure her continued parliamentary career if the deal is finalized. This offer comes as a recent poll by Walla indicates a shift in the political landscape, with the 'Yashar' party leading with 24 seats, followed by Likud with 22, and Naftali Bennett's 'B'Yachad' with 15.

The same poll suggests that Otzma Yehudit would secure 7 seats, while Likud would drop to 21 seats if Gottlieb makes the move. This shift would increase the opposition's Zionist bloc seats to 59, compared to the coalition's 48. The poll also highlighted that a potential alliance between the Religious Zionism party and Moshe Feiglin could prevent the far-right 'Amcha Yisrael' party from crossing the electoral threshold, potentially wasting nearly 10% of the vote.