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, the Israeli parliament, Likud announced on Thursday. Under the arrangement, Gotliv will not be declared a defector for switching parties. She will remain subject to Likud's faction discipline on votes until the new Knesset is seated.
In Israel, being designated a defector triggers political and financial sanctions, including ineligibility to run in the following election. The arrangement allows Gotliv to move to Otzma Yehudit without facing those consequences during the current parliament.
Gotliv was placed 20th on Likud's election list after the party's primary, lower than she had expected. She subsequently said she would consider joining Otzma Yehudit if offered a serious position, though she emphasized loyalty to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud.
Ben-Gvir welcomed Gotliv in a statement, calling her "a true fighter" against the deep state and those who had "persecuted our dear prime minister." Reports indicate Gotliv will likely receive a top-five slot on Otzma Yehudit's list, with the party expected to release its full lineup next week.
