Former Labor MK Eli Goldschmidt Launches Right-Wing Party Supporting Netanyahu

Eli Goldschmidt, a former prominent Labor Party MK and faction chairman, is returning to Israeli politics after more than 25 years. According to a report by Binyamin Ashkenazi in Israel Hayom, Goldschmidt is founding a new national party named "Israel Awakens" alongside retired Brigadier General Danny Van Biran, former IDF reserve chief officer. The party plans to run in the upcoming elections with a central platform supporting the formation of a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu.

The new party aims primarily at former left and center voters whose views shifted dramatically following the October 7 massacre, now seeking to join the national camp. It also targets a broad Zionist-nationalist audience dissatisfied with existing political options. Ideologically, "Israel Awakens" adopts a clear right-wing stance, opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state, advocating for strengthening Israeli sovereignty, and promoting integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into the IDF and broader society.

Goldschmidt explained that his ideological shift was directly influenced by recent events, stating, "The Oslo compromise era is over, and the formula of land for peace proved to be a mistake." His partner Van Biran, known for leading efforts against IDF draft refusal and founding the "Called to the Flag" organization, emphasized the need for a "clear direction" based on sovereignty, strengthening national ethos, and ending societal divisions and internal conflicts in Israel. The full party list and additional candidates will be announced as preparations for the elections progress.