Tali Gottlieb to Run on Otzma Yehudit Ticket, Remains Likud Member

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb will run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections on the Otzma Yehudit party list, according to a final agreement reached between her and the Likud party. Under the deal, Gottlieb will not be declared a defector from Likud, but she will be bound by the Likud faction's disciplinary rules for Knesset votes until the 26th Knesset convenes.

The agreement follows days of tension surrounding Gottlieb's political future. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had issued an ultimatum to Likud, demanding a swift decision on whether they would release Gottlieb. Ben-Gvir wished to add Gottlieb to Otzma Yehudit but insisted she either officially leave Likud or be removed from the party.

Gottlieb had also pressured Likud, demanding the 12th spot on their electoral slate. Tensions escalated when Gottlieb sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of "stabbing me in the back." She had not ruled out moving to another party if a concrete offer was made.

The compromise allows Gottlieb to compete under Otzma Yehudit's banner while maintaining her affiliation with Likud and adhering to its voting discipline until the next Knesset.