Ben Gvir Taps MK Gottlieb for Top Spot, Eyes 15 Seats

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced Friday that lawmaker Tali Gottlieb will join his Otzma Yehudit party and take the second position on its list for the 2026 legislative elections. Ben Gvir stated his ambition for the party to secure 15 seats in the Knesset, calling Gottlieb a "true additional force" who has "fought like a lioness for the right" and for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while opposing the Supreme Court and the former attorney general.

Ben Gvir outlined Otzma Yehudit's priorities for the next Knesset, advocating for a government that continues judicial reform and pursues its policies "without compromise." He specifically mentioned the party's plan for the emigration of Gaza residents, asserting its feasibility despite criticism.

Addressing Gottlieb's strong personality, Ben Gvir said he seeks leaders who can defend their own positions, not "yes-men." He also commented on Minister May Golan, whom he respects but indicated further announcements would follow.

Gottlieb praised Ben Gvir's leadership for embracing strong personalities and stated that Netanyahu needs a strong Otzma Yehudit to bolster the right-wing bloc. Previously ranked 12th on the Likud list, Gottlieb had recently accused Netanyahu of "stabbing her in the back" by not offering her a higher position. The Likud party approved her move to Otzma Yehudit without declaring her a dissident, allowing her to remain a Likud MK until the elections before running under Ben Gvir's party.