Full Breakdown
Otzma Yehudit Unveils Candidate List Ahead of 2026 Knesset Election
9/8/2026, 3:04:30 AM
Core Event: Party List Announcement
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of the Otzma Yehudit party, released the party’s slate for the upcoming Knesset elections. The list places Yishai Fleisher, an international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, at the twelfth spot. Tally Gotliv, a former Likud MK, moves to the second position after a deal with Likud, while longtime member Zvika Fogel announced he will not run after being placed outside the top six.
Background & Context
Otzma Yehudit, a right-wing nationalist party, has been reshaping its roster ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The party’s recent moves aim to consolidate a right-wing bloc and attract voters who prioritize a strong stance on the Land of Israel and heritage preservation.
Data & Statistics
- 1st – Itamar Ben-Gvir (party leader, National Security Minister)
- 2nd – Tally Gotliv (former Likud MK)
- 3rd – Yitzhak Wasserlauf
- 4th – Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu
- 5th – Limor Son Har-Melech
- 6th – Yitzhak Kreuzer
- 9th – Yossi Goldberger (Chabad activist)
- 12th – Yishai Fleisher (Efrat Local Council member, international spokesman)
Polls published over the past week indicated that Otzma Yehudit is projected to win between seven and eight seats — Israeli National News.
Official Statements & Responses
Ben-Gvir praised Gotliv’s move to Otzma Yehudit, describing her as a “brave ideologue” and a “force multiplier” who will help the party reach “legislative heights.”
Fleisher, in a statement, expressed excitement about joining the list and framed his participation as an opportunity to convey the party’s message to Jews and supporters worldwide.
Zvika Fogel, after learning his placement fell outside the top six, announced on X/Twitter that he could not continue his Knesset activities as planned and therefore would not run for the 26th Knesset.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm excited. This is a big moment. You are a man of action, a man of advocacy, and an important voice for Israel around the world. I'm proud that you're joining our Otzma Yehudit list,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit leader
- “It is a privilege and an opportunity to work alongside the Otzma Yehudit team on behalf of the Jewish people: to strengthen the State, to strengthen the connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel, and to bring this message to Jews and lovers of Israel around the world,” — Yishai Fleisher, international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron
- “They wanted to silence Tally and shut her mouth,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister
- “Regrettably, the path to continuing my activities in the Knesset or in the future government is not possible as I had planned,” — Zvika Fogel, MK
