Tally Gottlieb Joins Ben Gvir's Party, Secures Second Spot on List

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Knesset Member Tally Gottlieb announced on Friday that Gottlieb will join Ben Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. This move comes after Gottlieb's departure from the Likud party. Ben Gvir revealed that Gottlieb will occupy the second position on the party's list, a surprising development in Israeli politics, following Knesset Member Yitzhak Wasserlauf relinquishing his spot for her.

Gottlieb, previously aligned with Likud, officially declared her intention to run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections on the Otzma Yehudit list led by Ben Gvir. The political shift followed consultations between the two, resulting in an agreement allowing Gottlieb to maintain her current Knesset membership without being declared a defector from Likud.

Ben Gvir explained that Gottlieb was initially slated for the third position, but Wasserlauf's concession elevated her to second place, directly behind Ben Gvir. This arrangement underscores Gottlieb's significance to the party and strengthens her standing within Otzma Yehudit ahead of the elections.

The Likud party issued a statement confirming the agreement, which permits Gottlieb to contest the elections with Otzma Yehudit without being labeled a defector. The statement added that Gottlieb will adhere to Likud's bloc discipline in Knesset votes until the elections, ensuring parliamentary stability.

This agreement aims to preserve Gottlieb's parliamentary immunity and legal status until the elections, facilitating a smooth political transition and avoiding potential repercussions of being declared a defector. Previously, speculation suggested Gottlieb would be placed fourth on the Otzma Yehudit list, making her second-place ranking a significant and unexpected shift.

Analysts believe Gottlieb's prominent placement will boost Otzma Yehudit's electoral prospects. Her continued adherence to Likud's voting discipline until the formation of the next Knesset is expected to maintain the current parliamentary balance. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver reflecting delicate negotiations and internal party dynamics designed to ensure parliamentary stability.