Talks over the possibility of MK Tali Gotliv leaving Likud and joining Itamar Ben-Gvir are reportedly progressing, with assessments that the move is becoming increasingly likely.
Sources familiar with the matter say Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wants to bring Gotliv into his Otzma Yehudit party and give her a prominent position. However, he is not expected to move forward as long as her status within Likud remains unresolved.
From Ben-Gvir’s perspective, the first step would be for Gotliv to leave Likud voluntarily or for the party to sever ties with her. Her political future also depends to a large extent on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Ben-Gvir is not expected to guarantee her a place on the Advanced list without Netanyahu first clearing the way.
The potential move could serve the electoral interests of both parties and the broader right-wing bloc. Netanyahu could seek to present a more moderate Likud list in an effort to attract centrist voters, while Ben-Gvir would gain a prominent political figure already identified with a significant portion of his party’s target electorate.
For her part, Gotliv has indicated that she is no longer ruling out moving to another political framework. On Monday, responding to reports that she was holding talks with another party, she said she would consider an offer that reflects her political standing and influence.
“I sacrificed myself for the PM and the right-wing government," Gotliv tweeted. She said that if she received a substantive offer from a party that respected her electoral strength and allowed her to compete for a significant ministerial position, she would seriously consider it on behalf of her voters. She stressed, however, that she has not received such an offer at this stage.
Gotliv has directed much of her criticism toward Netanyahu’s associates and Likud campaign officials. She claimed that after winning 12th place in the party primaries, slates later moved her down to 20th place while efforts were made to damage her political standing.
She also alleged that she was excluded from the Likud election campaign and that campaign officials briefed against her, portraying her as someone who weakens the party. According to Gotliv, Netanyahu also decided against allowing her to serve as justice minister or chair of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, decisions she acknowledged were within his authority.
Her remarks came amid reports that she had held talks with an alternative political framework and had asked Netanyahu to secure her 12th place on the Likud list. Sources in Likud, however, said her demands and ultimatum had been rejected.
Amid the political dispute, Netanyahu also responded to another claim made by Gotliv concerning an alleged secret plea deal.
“Regarding the allegation by MK Gotliv that there is a secret plea deal, then of course this is an outright lie with no basis at all," the prime minister said.