Likud MK Tali Gottlieb Denies Reports of Defection to Otzma Yehudit, Attacks Reporter Yaniv Megal
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Likud MK Tali Gottlieb denied reports she and Minister May Golan plan to defect to Otzma Yehudit after elections, accusing reporter Yaniv Megal of spreading falsehoods and fabricating discussions in Netanyahu's office. The claims sparked a sharp public dispute amid concerns over Likud's electoral prospects.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Tali Gottlieb denied reports she and May Golan might join Otzma Yehudit after elections.
- Yaniv Megal reported a "state of emergency" discussion in Netanyahu's office over their potential defection.
- Netanyahu allegedly worried about losing two to three Likud seats due to their departure.
- Gottlieb accused Megal of spreading blatant lies and fabricating the discussion.
- She asserted her loyalty to Likud and claimed she strengthens the party electorally.
- An official Likud denial of the reports is expected soon.
Likud Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb strongly denied reports claiming she and Minister May Golan might defect to the far-right Otzma Yehudit party after the upcoming elections. The reports, aired by Channel 14 presenter Yaniv Megal citing sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggested a "state of emergency" discussion was held in Netanyahu's office over fears that Gottlieb and Golan could take their mandates to Otzma Yehudit, potentially costing Likud two to three seats. Megal also claimed Netanyahu instructed his team not to interfere with party membership choices but that Netanyahu-aligned groups had begun efforts to remove Gottlieb and Golan from their lists.
Gottlieb vehemently rejected these allegations, accusing Megal of spreading "blatant lies" and fabricating the existence of any such discussion in Netanyahu's office, which she said was not even present at the time. She emphasized her loyalty to the right-wing camp and asserted she strengthens Likud electorally, claiming she alone could secure six seats if running independently. Gottlieb also launched a personal attack on Megal, linking him to controversial figures and accusing him of attempting to intimidate voters and smear her reputation.
She predicted an official denial from Likud would soon be issued and concluded by disparaging Megal's credibility and faith. The dispute highlights internal tensions within the right-wing bloc ahead of the elections and concerns about potential defections affecting Likud's electoral strength.
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