Right-Wing Leaders Warn Against Splitting Votes Amid New Party Formations

Amid ongoing initiatives to establish new right-wing parties in Israel, Likud Minister Amichai Shikli issued a strong appeal on Sunday urging potential candidates not to fragment the nationalist camp. He warned that the proliferation of small right-wing parties could severely harm the bloc's political strength. Shikli attached an ad from the "Reservists - Generation of Victory" headquarters addressed to new right-wing party leaders, titled "Unite or Withdraw!". This call comes as speculation grows that Gilad Erdan may announce a new party this week.

Shikli highlighted past lessons from parties like Zehut and The New Right, led by Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked, which despite significant pre-election polling support failed to cross the electoral threshold in the 21st Knesset elections. He also referenced the 1992 elections, where the failure of the Tchiyah party to pass the threshold contributed to the Oslo Accords' political fallout. According to Shikli, losing these votes led to repeated inconclusive elections and weakened the nationalist camp politically.

He urged those forming new parties to make clear decisions, either to unite to ensure crossing the electoral threshold or to withdraw, quoting a biblical phrase about pride preceding a fall. This warning comes amid several right-wing political moves: Gilad Erdan and MK Yuli Edelstein are expected to announce a new party soon, MK Sharren Haskel has declared her intention to form a new party, and retired Brigadier General Dedi Simchi expressed his desire to enter politics and form a party. Simchi also revealed he was offered a reserved spot on the Likud list during a recent interview on "Meet the Press".