Gilad Erdan Plans New Right-Wing Party with Yuli Edelstein Ahead of 2026 Elections

With the 2026 Israeli elections less than 100 days away, former Likud member Gilad Erdan is preparing to announce a new right-wing party next week. The party will position itself as a liberal right-wing faction advocating for a broad Zionist government and pledging not to join a narrow coalition with any side. Its main ideological focus will be on equal burden-sharing and the conscription of Haredi Jews, led by Yuli Edelstein, another former Likud member who will serve as Erdan's number two.

Erdan is also in advanced talks with former Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch and Shvut Ra'anan, a founder of the Forum of Women Reservists, who is expected to be the party's number two. However, Ayelet Shaked is not expected to join the new party, and despite discussions, a merger with Benny Gantz is currently off the table, partly due to Gantz's demand to lead the list.

Erdan plans to finalize the party announcement soon but will only proceed if convinced he has the necessary resources for electoral success. This development comes amid broader political maneuvering ahead of the elections, including Prime Minister Netanyahu's efforts to distance himself from the Haredi parties.