Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb Switches from Likud to Otzma Yehudit Party

Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb is officially moving from the Likud party to Otzma Yehudit, following an agreement reached on September 3rd. While Gottlieb will run on Otzma Yehudit's list in the next Knesset elections, she will not formally leave the Likud faction and will adhere to its disciplinary rules until the current 25th Knesset's term ends. Likud will also retain her allocated party funding unit.

Gottlieb's move is reportedly driven by concerns about her ability to secure a Knesset seat in the upcoming elections, especially given a pending indictment for allegedly revealing classified information. She has expressed fears of facing legal repercussions without parliamentary immunity. Gottlieb claims she acted to aid the government and feels betrayed by Likud leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for her current predicament.

Otzma Yehudit, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, believes Gottlieb's addition could boost their electoral prospects by approximately two seats, according to internal polls. Ben-Gvir has also reportedly promised Gottlieb a ministerial position should Otzma Yehudit join the next government.

The agreement frees up a spot on Likud's list for a female candidate, potentially benefiting Gila Gamliel, who is currently contesting primary results in the party's internal court. Likud confirmed the arrangement, stating Gottlieb will run with Otzma Yehudit while maintaining Likud faction discipline until the current Knesset term concludes, and wished her success.