Likud MK Tally Gotliv has been permitted to run with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit Party in the election for the 26th Knesset, Likud announced on Thursday.
“The Likud and Tally Gotliv agreed that MK Gotliv will be able to run in the elections for the 26th Knesset as part of the Otzma Yehudit faction and will not be declared a defector,” the party said in a statement.
“As part of the agreement, Gotliv is required to remain subject to the Likud Party’s faction discipline in votes until the 26th Knesset,” Likud added.
“We wish Tally success.”
The arrangement allows Gotliv to move politically toward Otzma Yehudit ahead of the next election without being formally designated as having left the Likud faction during the current Knesset, or being declared a defector.
In Israel, to be declared a defector would trigger certain political and financial sanctions, including making the party member ineligible to run in the next election.
Ben-Gvir welcomed Gotliv into his party with open arms, stating she was “joining a family of fighters.”
“We know, and we have seen, that you are a true fighter: a fighter against injustice, a fighter for justice, a fighter against the deep state, and a fighter against those who persecuted our dear prime minister. Tally, we are proud of you. We embrace you. We are delighted that you are joining us – welcome!” he wrote.
Gotliv’s future with Likud was called into question after the party’s primary election
Gotliv initially said she would consider joining Otzma Yehudit after being placed 20th on Likud’s election list following the party’s primary election, noting she would consider switching if she received a serious offer but would always remain loyal to Likud and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
After receiving a lower slot on the list than initially expected, Gotliv had said she believed she had been deliberately pushed down the list and had asked Netanyahu to restore her to the 12th position.
Previous reports indicate that Gotliv will likely receive a top-five slot on Ben-Gvir’s list, though the party is expected to share its full list next week.
