Otzma Yehudit Leader Ben-Gvir Won't Place Minister Golan on Party List

Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir has decided not to offer a reserved spot on his party's Knesset list to Minister Miri Regev. Regev had secured the 23rd position in the Likud primaries, but was placed in a non-realistic spot due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved slots. Separately, Minister Amichai Eliyahu was placed in the 4th position on the Otzma Yehudit list.

Following the Likud primary results, Regev had attacked what she called "false spins, assassination lists, and 'sources close to the Prime Minister'" who she claimed "did not want a right-wing, opinionated woman in the party." She hinted at remaining in the Knesset, writing "To be continued...", and the possibility of joining Ben-Gvir's party emerged.

Regev and Ben-Gvir have maintained a warm relationship and collaborated closely during the current term. Notably, Regev faced criticism for redirecting her ministry's budget, originally allocated for a five-year plan for the Arab community, to Ben-Gvir, with whom she then altered the funding mechanism for Arab municipalities.

Just last Saturday, during an official announcement about Tali Gottlieb joining Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir was asked about reserving a spot for Regev and did not rule it out, stating, "Miri Regev is a good friend, she is an excellent minister. We will publish the list later. It's not enough to be friends, but you will see in the list we publish what Otzma Yehudit will bring."

Following the news that the move would not materialize, a statement was released on Regev's behalf. It stated that contrary to publications and false leaks, no negotiations took place. Ben-Gvir initiated contact and offered Regev a realistic spot on the Otzma Yehudit list, which she refused. The statement reiterated Regev's appreciation for Ben-Gvir but affirmed her commitment to the Likud party's path, despite what she termed "false leaks" against her before the primaries. Regev added that after 15 years of continuous public service, including seven years in the Knesset and her role as a minister, she feels it is the right time to take a personal break. She concluded by sending a message to her supporters that "everything, but everything, is for the best! Am Yisrael Chai."