Gottlieb Joins Otzma Yehudit, Takes Second Spot on Party List

Member of Knesset (MK) Tally Gottlieb will be placed second on the Otzma Yehudit party list for the upcoming elections, party leader and current Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced Friday. The announcement was made at a joint press conference in Tel Aviv. Ben-Gvir stated that Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf agreed to move from the second to the third position on the list to accommodate Gottlieb.

Gottlieb expressed strong support for Ben-Gvir and his party, criticizing the law enforcement system. She asserted that Otzma Yehudit has proven its ability in the Knesset to advance legislation and promote a strong right-wing agenda. Gottlieb also commented on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting he needs Otzma Yehudit to maintain his political strength. She reiterated her claim that legal proceedings against her are politically motivated attempts to silence her.

The move follows an agreement between the Likud party and Otzma Yehudit. Under this arrangement, Gottlieb will not be declared a defector, will not resign from the Knesset, and will continue to serve as a Likud MK until the formation of the 26th Knesset. She is expected to officially join the Otzma Yehudit list when the party slates are submitted. This shift may create an opening on the Likud list, with Gila Gamliel reportedly being a potential candidate.

Ben-Gvir set an ambitious goal for Otzma Yehudit in the upcoming elections, aiming for 15 Knesset seats. He indicated that additional candidates would join the party before the elections.