Itamar Ben Gvir Offers Reserved Knesset Seat to Tali Gottlieb in Otzma Yehudit

Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister and leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, proposed that Likud MK Tali Gottlieb leave her party and join Otzma Yehudit with a reserved seat in the upcoming elections, according to an i24NEWS report on Monday. Ben Gvir reportedly placed great importance on this move and formally requested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow Gottlieb's transfer. However, Netanyahu rejected the proposal.

A source familiar with the matter explained that Ben Gvir seeks to bring a figure like Gottlieb into his party to strengthen its hardline stance against the judicial system. In response, Gottlieb quickly denied any intention to leave Likud, emphasizing in a Twitter post that she is "very much right-wing within Likud" and considers Likud the true right-wing ruling party. She added that she intends to remain in Likud and work to strengthen it.

Otzma Yehudit did not deny approaching Gottlieb and Ben Gvir publicly endorsed her ahead of the Likud primaries. He encouraged Likud members to support her, stating she is highly respected and that attempts to undermine her will not affect her backing within the party. Ben Gvir called on Likud voters to support Gottlieb, asserting she deserves it.

The episode highlights internal right-wing dynamics ahead of the elections, with Ben Gvir aiming to consolidate a more militant right-wing faction, while Gottlieb reaffirms her loyalty to Likud and its leadership under Netanyahu.