MK Tali Gottlieb Joins Otzma Yehudit Party

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb, alongside National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, held a press conference in Tel Aviv on Friday. The conference followed an agreement reached between Likud and Otzma Yehudit regarding Gottlieb's party affiliation. Under the terms of the deal, Gottlieb will not be declared a defector, will remain in the Knesset, and will continue to serve under Likud's factional discipline. Her funding unit will also remain with Likud until the formation of the 26th Knesset.

Upon the submission of party lists, Gottlieb will be placed on the Otzma Yehudit slate, likely in the top five and potentially in fourth place. This move would also free up a spot for another woman in Likud, possibly Gila Gamliel. Gottlieb's primary concern, according to political sources, is maintaining Knesset immunity to protect herself from a potential indictment if she is not re-elected.

Ben-Gvir reportedly believes Gottlieb could add two Knesset seats to Otzma Yehudit and has promised her a ministerial position if they join the government. Gottlieb has expressed concerns, both publicly and privately, that her position at number 20 on the Likud list might not guarantee her re-election. She also faces an indictment for revealing classified information, specifically the identity of a Shin Bet agent who is the partner of Shachaf Bresler, on social media.