Gilad Erdan's 'Achdut' Party Withdraws From Elections

Gilad Erdan, chairman of the newly formed 'Achdut' party, announced on Friday evening, September 4th, that his party will not participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27th. This decision follows the failure of negotiations with Benny Gantz, leader of the 'Kahol Lavan' party, to form a joint bloc. The withdrawal means other prominent members of Achdut, including Yuli Edelstein, who co-founded the party with Erdan less than a month prior on August 6th, will also not be running.

In a detailed explanation released before the Sabbath, Erdan stated his lifelong commitment to serving Israel. He explained that he founded Achdut out of a belief that Israel needs a broad Zionist government capable of passing a conscription law and resolving national divisions, especially in the wake of the October 7th attacks. However, Erdan acknowledged that current public sentiment prioritizes the identity of the next prime minister over the formation of a unity government. He admitted that Achdut's support levels were insufficient to overcome the electoral threshold, and attempts to unite with other parties within a "unity bloc" had also failed.

Erdan emphasized that leadership requires acknowledging reality and acting responsibly. He expressed a desire for his supporters' votes to influence the election outcome rather than be wasted. He thanked party leaders Yuli Edelstein and Aliza Bloch for their partnership and commitment to the idea of unity, stating they would continue to advocate for it. Erdan concluded by affirming his continued commitment to public service and working for Israel's future, despite withdrawing the party's candidacy.

Earlier that day, reports indicated that Erdan's attempt to merge with Benny Gantz's Kahol Lavan had collapsed. Disagreements reportedly centered on who would lead a combined list. Representatives from Erdan's party accused Kahol Lavan of prioritizing media attention over substantive unity discussions. Both Erdan and Gantz, individually polling below the electoral threshold, had seen a joint list as potentially beneficial, with Kahol Lavan also offering significant state funding.

Erdan, who previously left the Likud party, formed Achdut as part of a "third bloc" of parties, generally associated with right-wing positions but aiming to form a broad coalition rather than support existing camps. Kahol Lavan and the "Zionist Home - Reservists" party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Hili Tropper, are also considered part of this bloc, with the latter reportedly polling above the electoral threshold.