Tally Gottlieb Nears Move to Otzma Yehudit Party

Negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding the potential move of Knesset Member Tally Gottlieb to the Otzma Yehudit party are in their final stages, according to a report by Yishai Cohen. Significant progress has been made, with the matter described as "almost closed," pending the resolution of a few "technical" issues.

The Likud party views Gottlieb's potential transfer favorably, with analysts calling it a "net gain for both parties." The remaining technical details involve coordinating with the Central Elections Committee on how to transfer Gottlieb without her being officially declared a defector, with the Likud's consent. This move has reportedly received preliminary approval from committee chairman Noam Sohlberg.

Minister Ben-Gvir has conveyed a clear message to senior Likud officials: if they wish for Gottlieb to join Otzma Yehudit, the necessary technical and legal procedures must be completed swiftly. He indicated that the window of opportunity is closing, as he plans to begin informing Otzma Yehudit candidates of their placements on the party list on Wednesday. Once this process begins, the arrangement cannot be reversed.

Ben-Gvir urged the Likud to finalize the procedures immediately rather than engaging in "empty briefings to the media." He stated, "Otherwise, the window of opportunity closes for me. I am starting to notify candidates about placements on the list, and then it will be too late." The move now appears to be on track to be finalized before the party lists are officially submitted.