Gilad Erdan Announces Formation of New Party with Yuli Edelstein as Number Two

Gilad Erdan announced on Wednesday his intention to establish a new political party, with the official launch expected on Thursday. Former Knesset member Yuli Edelstein is slated to take the second spot on the party list. Erdan, Israel's former ambassador to the UN, has been in talks with several political figures including Benny Gantz, Dedi Simchi, Ayelet Shaked, and Edelstein to create a joint political framework. A recent meeting between these four ended without a decision, as Shaked and Edelstein indicated they would wait for Erdan's decision.

Earlier this week, insiders involved in forming a coalition of parties known as "the bloc between the blocs" criticized Erdan's statement that he would not agree to include the Democratic Party in a future government. They argued that prematurely ruling out this option contradicts the message that the new party aims to form a unity government rather than a narrow coalition, and weakens Erdan's negotiating position with Prime Minister Netanyahu after the elections.

In addition to Edelstein, retired Brigadier General Hazi Nahama, former commander of the Alexandroni and Menashe brigades, recently confirmed he intends to join Erdan's party. Nahama expressed his respect for Erdan and willingness to contribute to efforts benefiting Israel, despite potential personal and family costs.