MK Tali Gottlieb Moves to Ben Gvir's Jewish Power Party

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb will officially move to the Jewish Power party, led by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The Likud party announced Thursday evening that it had reached an agreement with Gottlieb, allowing her to run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections on the Jewish Power slate without being declared a defector. As part of the deal, Gottlieb is committed to adhering to Likud's factional discipline on votes until the 26th Knesset. The party wished her success.

Journalists Yaron Avraham and Yair Kuzin commented on the move. Kuzin described it as a classic case of "he benefits and he doesn't lack," adding that Gottlieb grew up with and supported Ben Gvir, questioning why she would receive a "shield" from him now. Kuzin also speculated that if he were Miki Zohar, he would be very disappointed.

Avraham reacted sarcastically, questioning if Gottlieb's constant criticism had been ineffective. He also suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu might be orchestrating the move to present Likud as more "state-oriented" while Gottlieb could attract additional voters to Jewish Power. Avraham predicted that Netanyahu might even bring Gottlieb back into the Likud fold later.

Sources on the right have suggested this was a planned maneuver by Netanyahu, allowing Likud to appear more centrist while Gottlieb could bolster Ben Gvir's party. Kuzin noted Gottlieb's long-standing support for Ben Gvir and his party.