Tally Gotliv is doubling down on her position as of Friday, as she faces intense scrutiny from within her own party, labeling her critics, who she said are "hiding behind anonymity," as "terror supporters."
This scrutiny comes after a Walla poll placed her at the top of the Likud list for the upcoming primaries.
She also took aim at the recent hostage protests, asserting that they are part of an effort to “topple the government.”
MK Tally Gotliv, hello.
Hello and blessings.
First off, congratulations on becoming a new grandmother!
Thank God, yes. May good news multiply for everyone.
What do you think your granddaughter will say about you when she looks back at this period in history?
I truly hope that my granddaughter and any future grandchildren, God willing, stay connected to their roots and pave their own paths in life.
I don’t focus on what a grandchild will say about me. I hope each of them will be strong enough in themselves; that’s what matters most to me.
Let’s talk about the storm surrounding you this week with the “Judenrat” remark. Looking back after all the controversy, do you regret using that word?
Absolutely not. Not only do I not regret it, but I also regret the crudeness of the journalists, politicians, and citizens in Israel who demeaned me, attacked me physically, and violated my immunity rights.
The fact that a security guard, who committed criminal acts against me, was simply ignored is appalling. I’m obviously waiting for the Attorney General’s response.
If we’re talking about that era, the Judenrat, are the judges the Nazis, God forbid?
I’m not comparing it to that at all, in any way. What kind of question is that? This comparison is deeply upsetting. My comments about the judges are entirely different.
No, but supposedly the Judenrat decided who...
(Gotliv interrupts) I completely disagree with you in any way. Your question offends me.
Let’s return to current events. Yesterday, a man was arrested for wanting to declare the Attorney General a “rodef.” You know, the last time this happened, when it was done to Rabin, we know how it ended. Do you condemn this incident?
Condemn? Of course. Anyone who even thinks about applying “din rodef” to someone, I condemn that. What kind of question is this? Did you think I wouldn’t condemn it?
There are things I don’t condemn that everyone else does, but this? Certainly, yes, I condemn it.
Let’s continue. This week, Walla published a poll on Likud primaries showing you in second place, after Amir Ohana. Since it came out, have you felt heavy pressure from the party against you?
No. I’m not swayed by polls. A poll is just a poll, and it’s even meaningless. And it’s not the first time polls have placed me in high positions. It doesn’t impress me, not this way or that.
I always say, both good and bad words are just background noise. As a stateswoman, that’s how I define myself, and as a public official, I’m focused on the work I’m doing right now. Not on what will happen in the primaries.
I genuinely believe that right-wing voters, Likud voters, are not confused. They are firmly connected to our path as right-wingers and understand that, since October 7, our values must be reaffirmed.
They see what I do in the Knesset and throughout the week to protect our values. And that’s reflected in the poll. There’s no connection between the poll and reality. As for my party members, I believe and call on everyone to continue doing what’s right for our values.
This week, we saw quotes from ministers and Likud central committee members against you, calling you “mentally unstable,” “untrustworthy,” “uncollegial,” and “undermining Netanyahu.” One even called you “a crazy woman.”
I must tell you, if you look at my political career, you’ll never find a time when I hid behind anonymity.
Not one journalist can say I ever asked them to keep me anonymous. I stand behind every word I say. And the fact that, according to you, some ministers are quoted this way without standing up to say who they are - well, that means their words carry no weight.
People like Gideon Sa’ar have said they’ll destroy me. So, with all due respect, let me put it carefully - it doesn’t impress me at all. My life motto is: "Whoever fears only the Holy One, blessed be He, fears no one else." That’s all.
Aren’t you afraid that in the end, you’ll be targeted and harmed in the primaries?
I trust the right-wing voters, and I’m not concerned with deals. I don’t recruit members into Likud - not even one. And I don’t sign up people who really want to join through me.
I just pass them along to others to recruit. I have no deals, and I won’t have deals. If deals are made, it will be over my head. I trust the Likud voters, the free voices, and many central committee members, who are intelligent, wise, and not confused. That’s why I’m not afraid. And as I always say, “One who trusts in God, kindness surrounds him.”
Theoretically, if the results match the polls, and you end up very high on the Likud list, what position would you want to hold as minister?
Let me make this very clear: I hope to earn the trust of voters. I expect it because I believe I’m working for the right-wing public, in the Knesset and by changing the social discourse in a very structured way. I’m restoring our pride and faith in the most basic values of this land.
Beyond that, I’m leading a huge battle against the judiciary, which is doing everything it can to undermine the right-wing government. If I gain voters’ trust, and if Likud strengthens, which it must, I believe I should be given the Justice Ministry. I’m not interested in being a minister just for the title. I’d rather remain an MK than hold a portfolio where I have nothing to contribute.
You’ve said you are a stateswoman. Do you see yourself in more diplomatic portfolios?
Of course.
For example?
One day, the Defense Ministry.
Why "someday"? Why not demand Defense now instead of Justice? Isn’t defense more important?
No, not at all. But the role requires experience. Let me explain: I’m not Bennett, okay? I’m not a megalomaniac who thinks he can lead the country with six seats. Even with my deep knowledge of our enemies, the Middle East, and tribal dynamics, being Defense Minister requires a lot of experience.
That experience is built through parliamentary work, in many sessions within the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and by managing a critical ministry like Justice.
But most importantly, the key role for the right to rule is the Justice Ministry. And that, in my opinion, is the symbol of how we protect the separation of powers and our right to live according to our values as right-wingers in Israel.
So, you wouldn’t ask for, say, the Ministry of National Security? If something else is offered instead of Justice, would you stay in the Knesset?
I think Itamar Ben-Gvir is doing an excellent job in that ministry, and he has made some very important changes. He should remain in that position.
Okay, but if he wants Defense and National Security opens up, would you take it, or would you insist on Justice only?
National Security is a very important ministry. But I’m telling you directly, I believe I should be in Justice because of my vast knowledge. Whoever holds the Justice Ministry must understand that we shouldn’t just chase legislation; we need to outsmart the system on its own turf.
Prime Minister? Do you see yourself in that role one day?
As I said, I’m not Bennett, and I’m not megalomaniac.
But you talk about statesmanship, about processes and leadership...
I call it statesmanship because people don’t understand that the word "politics" comes from ancient Greece and means managing the state. A politician is a term that doesn’t fully capture what someone takes on. And I repeat, as much as I gain voters’ trust and serve the nation well, time will tell.
So you’re not ruling out running for prime minister?
I can’t say yes or no. I know I have leadership abilities, but I don’t know what I’ll do in the future. I must first prove myself to myself and to the public. That’s how it works.
Do you support a partial deal for the hostages?
No.
Yesterday, Orit Strook said she opposes it, and many cabinet ministers will vote against a partial deal.
I must say, I blame the media. A very harsh accusation. My accusation is that the media weakens the chances of returning all our hostages by focusing on partial deals.
Hamas listens to everything, collects intelligence openly like any enemy. I would stay silent about this matter and let the government work to bring back all the hostages, categorically, right now, under the tremendous pressure on Hamas.
So what do you think of the hostage protests?
They’re not hostage protests, they’re Kaplan protests. The protests aren’t about the hostages. No one cares about the hostages in those protests. They shout “two states,” “starvation in Gaza.” They care about the enemy, not the hostages.
And do these protests hurt the chances of bringing them back?
Absolutely, they hurt a lot.
After the massive protest on Monday, it was suddenly reported that progress was made toward a deal.
Wow, that’s amazing. Are you working for Hamas? Really?
I’m asking.
You really think Hamas agreed because of the protest? No, they agreed to a partial deal to undermine Israel’s demand to bring back all the hostages. Hamas manipulates us at every turn, and the media plays right into their hands.
On October 7, you claimed there was betrayal. What does that mean?
We’ll never know because you’re protecting Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. He was responsible for Gaza intelligence, in contact with Egyptian intelligence. You protect people who owe us answers.
But no inquiry committee has been established.
Of course. We won’t set one up because I don’t trust the Supreme Court President or any judge to ask the tough questions. The only way to uncover the truth is through a commission made up of hostage families, bereaved families, and IDF officers.
So why not establish that mechanism?
I have a bill for it. The prime minister thinks a commission should be formed, but it must be based on a broad consensus to gain public trust. He’s right.
But why call it betrayal?
Because not informing the prime minister about the suspicions of infiltration is betrayal. Betrayal of trust is still betrayal. Excuses like “we feared miscalculation” don’t cut it. That’s why 1,200 Israelis were murdered.
That’s a very harsh accusation.
It’s not just an accusation. I wish I had the tools to tell you who and why. I don’t know. But betrayal, yes.