National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has appointed Ofer Golan, a former adviser and campaign strategist for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to lead strategic operations for the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party ahead of elections scheduled by October. The party has recently polled at around eight seats, positioning it as an important partner in Netanyahu's governing coalition.

Golan previously served as a spokesperson for the Netanyahu family and managed the Likud campaign in 2019. Describing his move as 'changing apartments, but staying in the same building,' he said Otzma Yehudit represents a broad public and holds significant national importance during a period of political challenges and opportunities. He will work alongside campaign strategist Ofer Rosenbaum to strengthen the party’s electoral performance.

Otzma Yehudit advocates for Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount and the West Bank and recently backed legislation mandating the death penalty for terrorists. Ben-Gvir praised Golan’s political and media experience, expressing confidence that his appointment would boost the party’s standing and outreach.

Golan’s appointment comes despite his indictment in February 2025 on charges of harassing Shlomo Filber, a state witness in Netanyahu’s corruption trial. Prosecutors allege that Golan and others sought to pressure Filber in 2019 through public broadcasts near his home. Golan and fellow defendant Yonatan Urich have asked the court to dismiss the indictment, arguing the investigation was flawed due to unlawful phone searches.