MK Tali Gottlieb to Run With Otzma Yehudit, Stays in Likud Until Term Ends

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb has reached an agreement with the Likud party to run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections on the slate of Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. Under the terms of the deal, Gottlieb will not be declared a defector from Likud and will continue to vote with the party in the current Knesset until its term concludes. This arrangement allows Gottlieb to switch parties without facing parliamentary sanctions, such as being barred from running in the next election with a party already represented in the Knesset.

Political analysts suggest this move benefits both sides. Otzma Yehudit gains a boost to its right-wing, ideological base, aiming to maximize votes for the bloc. Simultaneously, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu may benefit by appealing to more moderate center-right voters, potentially clearing space for himself. Gottlieb had recently expressed loyalty to Likud and the Prime Minister while also demanding a high spot on the party's list and threatening to leave.

Earlier, Gottlieb had voiced strong criticism of Netanyahu and his inner circle, accusing them of deliberately undermining her candidacy in the Likud primaries. She claimed Netanyahu's advisors pushed for a "new branding" of Likud, neglecting key issues like curbing the power of the judiciary and the civil service. Gottlieb asserted her commitment to right-wing governance and her role as a staunch supporter of these principles within Likud, stating she was elected to advance these goals.

In recent days, Gottlieb also attacked Prime Minister Netanyahu's son, Yair Netanyahu, and advisor Yonatan Urich, accusing them of orchestrating conflicts and deliberately creating divisions. She specifically criticized Urich for allegedly manipulating relationships between ministers and military officials, and using Yair Netanyahu as a pawn. Gottlieb also expressed disappointment with Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, accusing him of spreading false information about her situation and attempting to remove her from the next Knesset.