Ben Gvir Ultimatum to Likud: Finalize Gottlieb's Move Today or Lose Her

Otzma Yehudit party leader and Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has issued an ultimatum to senior Likud officials, demanding they complete the legal and technical procedures to transfer Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb to his party by the end of Wednesday. Ben Gvir stated his intention to begin informing his party's candidates of their positions on the Knesset list, a move that would prevent later changes.

The demand comes amid claims from Otzma Yehudit that Likud leadership has taken no practical steps to advance Gottlieb's transfer, contrary to media reports. Otzma Yehudit alleges that Likud has even rebuffed initiatives from various parties attempting to facilitate the move. The party believes Likud's delays are intended to leverage the situation for broader negotiations and additional concessions.

"The delays from Likud are closing the window of opportunity and canceling the possibility," a source within Otzma Yehudit stated. The party also believes that the ongoing tension between Gottlieb and Likud serves their interests, even if the transfer ultimately fails.

Gottlieb herself has indicated she would consider a "worthy" offer from another political faction if it reflects her political standing and power. She wrote on X that she had "laid down on the fence for the Prime Minister and the right-wing government" and would seriously consider a genuine offer from a party that respects her electoral strength and allows her to contend for a significant ministerial role.