Likud Reverses Stance on Knesset Member's Party Switch to Aid Gottlieb

The Likud party has reversed its earlier position regarding Knesset Member (MK) Eitan Ginzburg's potential move to the "B'Yachad" party, a decision that could have impacted MK Tali Gottlieb's own potential transfer to the Otzma Yehudit party. Initially, Likud had argued to the Chairman of the Election Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, that Ginzburg, currently a member of Blue and White but intending to run with B'Yachad, would need to resign from the Knesset. This stance risked him being declared a "defector," which would prevent him from running in the upcoming elections for a party that was represented in the current Knesset.

This concern was amplified as Gottlieb, who is considering leaving Likud to join Otzma Yehudit, feared the same rule would apply to her. Gottlieb had refused to resign from the Knesset due to fears of losing her immunity from indictment. The Likud's initial position could have jeopardized her ability to join Otzma Yehudit, a move supported by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who envisions Gottlieb in a prominent spot on his party's list.

Following discussions and the growing possibility of Gottlieb's departure from Likud, particularly after her recent sharp criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud decided to withdraw its objection. They informed Sohlberg that Gottlieb would not be considered a defector. Their revised stance is that Ginzburg should not be considered a defector either, given an agreement with Benny Gantz that such a move would not constitute defection. This U-turn by Likud effectively clears the path for Gottlieb's potential move to Otzma Yehudit.

Gottlieb has recently intensified her public criticism of Netanyahu, stating he "stabbed her in the back" and that he and his associates are sidelining her. She has also claimed Netanyahu is distancing himself from a hardline stance against the judiciary, and that his circle is attempting to rebrand Likud as more moderate, pushing aside figures like herself who are strongly identified with the fight against the Supreme Court.