Secret Meeting in Israeli Right-Wing Circles Explores New Unity Party Ahead of Elections

A secret meeting took place on Monday evening in the West Bank settlement of Nehusha near Beit Shemesh, initiated by Knesset member Yuli Edelstein, who has announced he will not run in the upcoming Likud primaries. Participants included Dedi Simchi, Shvut Ra'anan, and Ofer Berkovich, while Knesset member Dan Illouz was invited but did not attend. Surprisingly, Edelstein himself was absent due to prior commitments.

During the meeting, a poll presented by Menachem Lazar indicated that about eight right-wing Knesset seats could be won by voters seeking a new political framework aimed at forming a broad national unity government. Notably, Dedi Simchi, who has been in advanced talks with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, took part. Simchi told the media he supports unity and is engaging with serious groups exploring options. He is accompanied by attorney Guy Busi, an expert in party formation, who believes a new right-wing party uniting forces could secure double-digit mandates.

However, not all reactions were positive. Sources familiar with the details told reporters that Edelstein was behind the meeting while simultaneously negotiating with Ayelet Shaked and Gilad Erdan. Another source claimed Erdan was not invited because he might act as Netanyahu’s "61st vote," potentially succeeding him in Likud, which contradicts the new party’s goal to form a broad government without narrow coalitions or boycotts.