Right-Wing Israeli Politicians Negotiate New Party Alliances Ahead of Elections

Several prominent right-wing Israeli politicians are engaged in negotiations to form new political parties ahead of the upcoming elections. Yuli Edelstein announced his departure from Likud after 23 years and is in talks with former minister Ayelet Shaked to establish a new party focused on issues like equal burden sharing and excluding Arab parties from coalition agreements. They may be joined by attorney Raanan Shabot and David Ben-Zion, deputy head of the Shomron Regional Council.

Meanwhile, Gilad Erdan, former Likud minister and Israeli ambassador to the UN, is exploring the creation of a unified right-wing party emphasizing equal burden sharing. Erdan is conducting parallel talks and may collaborate with Edelstein and Shaked in the future. He has also held discussions with Benny Gantz and Yoaz Hendel, though talks with Hendel have stalled.

Benny Gantz and Dedi Simchi are close to finalizing a joint party and are negotiating with Hendel, who demands a clear commitment that the party will not join a government with ultra-Orthodox parties. Hendel is also in talks with MK Hili Tropper, who left Gantz's Blue and White party and is considering forming a new party. Other figures like Aliza Bloch, former mayor of Beit Shemesh, and MK Sharren Haskel are also weighing their political futures, with Bloch aiming to run for education minister.

Additionally, retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter is contemplating entering politics and has been meeting with Amir Avivi, founder of the "Securityists" movement. Winter has held events and released videos criticizing the current government and opposition leaders, with speculation he might run alongside Bezalel Smotrich or form his own party.

These developments reflect a dynamic and fragmented right-wing landscape as politicians seek to position themselves for the next Knesset and potential coalition formations, with a strong focus on unity, burden sharing, and excluding Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties from government coalitions.