Yuli Edelstein and Ayelet Shaked Advance Talks to Form New Political Party

Knesset member Yuli Edelstein, who recently announced his intention to leave the Likud party, is in advanced discussions to establish a new political party with former minister Ayelet Shaked. Over the past weeks, Edelstein and Shaked have been fully aligned on the strategy, principles, and positions of their prospective party, as well as on potential members they aim to recruit.

Sources close to both politicians reveal that they are considering two main strategic options: first, to complete a coalition of 61 seats within the "change bloc" if it becomes the largest and has a viable chance to form a government; second, to push for a broad unity government. However, they assess the likelihood of separating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the ultra-Orthodox parties as low.

These developments signal a significant potential realignment in Israeli politics ahead of upcoming elections, with Edelstein and Shaked seeking to create a new political force that could influence government formation dynamics.