Tali Gottlieb Explains Defection from Likud to Otzma Yehudit

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb has publicly detailed her reasons for leaving the Likud party to join Otzma Yehudit, describing her new political home as a "home for a proud Jew in the Land of Israel." In an interview on Channel 14's "HaPatriotim" program, Gottlieb stated that her primary motivation was a strong opposition to the idea of a unity government, which she characterized as "euphemisms." She expressed a desire for a broad right-wing government.

Gottlieb also revealed feelings of being sidelined within Likud, citing excuses that she was a "weakening force." She described her struggle in the party primaries as a "David versus Goliath" battle. She explained that her decision to align with Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was based on four years of close ideological and practical collaboration.

She emphasized that her initial intention was to continue fighting within Likud, as evidenced by her participation in the primaries. However, she felt pushed aside and stated that she would not support a unity government. Gottlieb declined to name specific individuals within Likud who she felt were opposing her, simply stating, "The understanding will understand."