Tali Gottlieb to Run on Otzma Yehudit Ticket After Likud Deal

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb will run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections on the Otzma Yehudit party list, following an agreement reached with the Likud party. Under the terms of the deal, Gottlieb will not be considered a defector from Likud, despite running with another party. She is, however, bound by Likud's factional discipline regarding Knesset votes until the 26th Knesset convenes.

The agreement comes after days of tension surrounding Gottlieb's political future. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had issued an ultimatum to Likud, demanding clarity on Gottlieb's status and expressing his desire to recruit her for Otzma Yehudit. Ben-Gvir's primary condition was that Gottlieb either officially leave Likud or be removed from the party.

Gottlieb herself had been pressuring Likud, seeking a reserved spot at number 12 on their electoral list. Tensions escalated after Gottlieb publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he had "stabbed me in the back." She also indicated openness to joining another party if presented with a concrete offer she deemed suitable for public service.