Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir delivered a message to Likud senior officials this morning (Wednesday), containing an ultimatum regarding the transfer of MK Tali Gottlieb to the ranks of Otzma Yehudit.
Commentator Amit Segal reported that, as a result, Likud and Otzma Yehudit are in talks toward an agreement on Tali Gottlieb's resignation from Likud - and his transfer to Ben-Gvir's party.
Ben Gvir demanded that all formal steps required for the transition be completed today, as he does not want the move to be used as a means of pressure just before the lists close.
The minister clarified that he intends to begin notifying his party's candidates of their placement on the list intended for the Knesset, a step that will not allow for changes or cancellations at a later stage.
The appeal was made in light of claims by Otzma Yehudit that, contrary to media briefings, the Likud leadership had not taken any practical steps to advance the necessary legal and technical procedures. It was also claimed that the Likud had even received initiatives from various parties that tried to work towards implementing the move.
Otzma Yehudit estimates that Likud's conduct is intended to conduct extended negotiations in order to obtain additional changes.
Alongside this, Otzma Yehudit estimates that the ongoing tension between MK Gottlieb and the Likud party will serve the party, even if Gottlieb is not ultimately included on the list.
Gottlieb herself has already announced that if she receives a suitable offer to move to another political framework, she will not reject it outright - if, from her perspective, it reflects her status and political power.
