Eight Likud ministers, MKs, have asked to join Otzma Yehudit party, Itamar Ben-Gvir claims

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claims that eight ministers and members of Knesset from the Likud party have expressed a desire to join his Otzma Yehudit party. Ben-Gvir stated on Sunday that these politicians are attracted by Otzma Yehudit's favorable poll numbers and its perceived strength within the political landscape.

Ben-Gvir also addressed the situation of MK Almog Cohen, who remained with Likud. He described Cohen as a "good MK" and mentioned that he had previously advocated for Cohen to secure a realistic position on a joint slate during negotiations with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party. Ben-Gvir recounted that these negotiations nearly collapsed over Smotrich's initial reluctance to include someone without a kippah on the list, emphasizing his own strong stance in supporting Cohen.

In a separate development, Ben-Gvir has recorded a series of videos endorsing and recommending several Likud primary candidates. This move is considered unusual as Ben-Gvir leads a separate party that competes with Likud for votes on the right. The candidates he publicly supports include ministers and MKs such as Eli Cohen, May Golan, Ofir Katz, Amir Ohana, Idit Silman, Shlomo Karhi, Tally Gotliv, Nissim Vaturi, Sasson Guetta, and Osher Shekalim. Ben-Gvir urged Likud members to vote for these individuals.