Former Minister Gilad Erdan Withdraws New Party from Election Race

Chairman of the Unity Party, Gilad Erdan, announced on Friday that his party will not compete in the upcoming election. The decision comes after approximately one month of campaigning, following insufficient public support and failed attempts to merge with other parties. Erdan stated that he established the Unity Party with the goal of promoting a broad unity government that could pass a genuine conscription law and resolve national disputes.

However, Erdan explained that the past month revealed a public priority shift, with voters primarily focused on determining the next prime minister rather than forming a broad unity government. He also noted that the Unity Party's support has not been strong enough to guarantee crossing the electoral threshold, and merger possibilities with other parties within the "unity bloc" have not materialized.

Consequently, Erdan decided to withdraw the party to ensure his supporters' votes influence the election outcome rather than being lost. This decision followed the collapse of merger talks with Benny Gantz's National Unity Party. Sources within National Unity indicated that Gantz informed Erdan after a recent meeting that a merger would not occur.

The Unity Party expressed regret, claiming National Unity never seriously discussed substantive issues or committed to a full merger. Despite a recent positive meeting between Gantz and Erdan, negotiations concluded without an agreement. A recent Channel 12 poll indicated that even a merged party of National Unity and Unity would not cross the electoral threshold, receiving only 2.6% of the vote.

Erdan thanked his party colleagues, including Yoav Gallant, Aliza Bloch, Oren Smadja, and Hazi Nahum, as well as activists and supporters. He affirmed that despite the party's withdrawal, he remains committed to public service and will continue working for the nation, IDF soldiers, and Israel's future.