Likud MK Tali Gottlieb to Run on Otzma Yehudit List

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb will leave the Likud party to run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections on the Otzma Yehudit list led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Likud party announced Thursday. Under the agreement, Gottlieb will not be declared a defector from the Likud faction and will remain bound by its voting discipline until the formation of the next Knesset. This arrangement allows Gottlieb to continue serving in the current Knesset, retaining her status and parliamentary immunity until the elections. Political analysts anticipate Gottlieb will secure the fourth position on the Otzma Yehudit slate.

The move comes weeks after the Likud primaries, where Gottlieb contested a top spot on the party's list. She ultimately placed 12th, following a primary campaign during which she alleged that individuals close to Prime Minister Netanyahu worked to undermine her candidacy. Gottlieb claimed organized votes were directed against her, warning she would not remain silent if Netanyahu's advisors "looked towards the center." Reports also suggested Netanyahu had received polls indicating a high placement for Gottlieb could cost Likud Knesset seats.

Gottlieb's potential move to Otzma Yehudit also occurs amidst broader right-wing bloc maneuvering ahead of the elections. Last week, Netanyahu urged Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to run on a joint technical bloc to prevent vote loss. Ben-Gvir rejected this, arguing it would weaken Otzma Yehudit. He also accused Netanyahu of wanting a "small Otzma Yehudit" to facilitate a broader coalition, while asserting his party's strength is essential for a "true right-wing government."