Likud Allows MK Tali Gottlieb to Run on Otzma Yehudit Slate

The ruling Likud party announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement allowing Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb to run in the upcoming elections on the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party list. The Likud stated they wish her success in the endeavor.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gottlieb will be bound by the Likud's factional discipline in Knesset votes until the 26th Knesset convenes. The party clarified that Gottlieb will not be considered a defector from Likud. This development follows significant progress in negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir earlier in the day.

Gottlieb had expressed disappointment with her 12th-place finish in the Likud primaries, which she attributed to efforts by Netanyahu's circle to undermine her candidacy. She had previously written that she felt sidelined by the Prime Minister's campaign and was being presented as a weakening force within Likud. Gottlieb also stated that Netanyahu did not intend for her to serve as Justice Minister or chair the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, and was pushing her to a "hidden edge."

She had reportedly threatened to consider leaving Likud if she did not receive a "sheltered" spot, such as 12th place, in the party's Knesset list, an ultimatum the Likud reportedly rejected. Otzma Yehudit believes the public tension surrounding Gottlieb's standing within Likud could benefit them by attracting voters who identify with her criticisms of the Prime Minister and his associates.