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

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed on Sunday that eight Likud members, including four ministers and four Knesset members, have sought to join his Otzma Yehudit party. Speaking on 103FM, Ben-Gvir attributed this interest to Otzma Yehudit's strong poll numbers. He also addressed the departure of MK Almog Cohen from Otzma Yehudit to Likud, stating, "I did him a favor by not expelling him." Ben-Gvir recounted a dispute during coalition negotiations where he insisted on Cohen's placement on the list despite Bezalel Smotrich's objections regarding Cohen not wearing a kippah. Additionally, Ben-Gvir has recorded videos endorsing several Likud primary candidates, including Eli Cohen, May Golan, and Amir Ohana, a move considered unusual given his leadership of a separate party.