Hadar Mukhtar Explores Joining Otzma Yehudit While Running in Likud Primaries

Hadar Mukhtar, who has been campaigning to join the Likud party list for the upcoming Knesset elections, has also quietly explored the possibility of joining Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir. Mukhtar has been active in protests and has sought to stand out in the Likud primaries, but her candidacy has faced challenges due to not meeting the required party membership duration, known as "pazam." While there was speculation that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might allow her to run under a special exemption, he reportedly does not intend to approve this.

In parallel with her public efforts within Likud, Mukhtar has been discreetly testing the option to join Otzma Yehudit's list. These discussions took place quietly while she continued to present herself as a Likud candidate. However, her potential inclusion in the Likud list has met internal opposition, notably from Knesset member Tali Gottlieb, who publicly stated that Mukhtar is unsuitable for the party, referencing a controversy involving Mukhtar's housing situation during the 2022 elections.

Additionally, the "new woman" slot in the Likud list, considered Mukhtar's best chance for a realistic position, has come under question amid ongoing discussions about the primary election structure. This uncertainty adds to the challenges Mukhtar faces in securing a spot on the Likud list, prompting her to explore alternatives such as Otzma Yehudit.