Likud MK Slams Potential Move of MK Tali Gottlieb to Otzma Yehudit

Member of Knesset Eliyahu Revivo from the Likud party sharply criticized fellow MK Tali Gottlieb, following reports that she may join the Otzma Yehudit party led by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Revivo posted on social media, "And about this it is said, blessed be He who has freed us from this one," addressing party members and stating he was "the first to identify the danger" and stands by his criticism. He concluded with a jab at Ben-Gvir, saying, "Good luck to Ben-Gvir, the popcorn is already ready."

These remarks come after a legal opinion from Central Elections Committee Chairman, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, which could remove a significant legal obstacle to Gottlieb's potential move from Likud to Otzma Yehudit. The opinion, initially concerning MK Eitan Ginzburg, also applies to a situation where an MK seeks to run in the next election with a different list, with the consent of their original faction.

The core issue was whether an MK seeking to run with a rival faction is considered to have resigned from their own, and their status when this move is agreed upon by the party they were elected under. Sohlberg opined that such a move has "the character of a resignation from a faction," but that explicit consent from the original faction alters the legal picture, making resignation from the outgoing Knesset unnecessary.

This decision was partly influenced by a shift in the Likud party's stance. Likud announced it would withdraw its objections to such a move if an agreement is reached between the parties. For Ben-Gvir, this is a significant development as he finalizes his party's list. Otzma Yehudit's leader has been working to recruit Gottlieb, who was placed in the 20th spot on the Likud list due to reserved slots. Gottlieb had previously criticized individuals close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over this matter. If negotiations conclude successfully and Likud formally consents, Gottlieb is expected to officially join the Otzma Yehudit list for the upcoming Knesset elections.