Gilad Erdan Launches New Right-Wing Party Advocating Haredi Draft and Netanyahu-Eizenkot Unity Government

Ahead of its official launch, Gilad Erdan's new political party is unveiling a right-wing platform focused on national security and political unity. The party, which will include retired Colonel Hazi Nechama and other right-wing figures, demands the formation of a unity government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot. It opposes a narrow 61-seat coalition reliant on one side of the political spectrum, including both the ultra-Orthodox parties and the left-wing Democratic camp.

The party emphasizes the need for mass conscription of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men into the Israel Defense Forces as part of expanding the military, a move they argue can only be achieved if ultra-Orthodox parties are excluded from the coalition. While welcoming Eizenkot's participation, the party insists he should not dictate the government's political or security policies. Regarding the controversial judicial reforms, the party supports significant changes but advocates a more cautious approach than the current government, which they view as having failed in its reform efforts.

Erdan's party also signals conditional acceptance of Itamar Ben-Gvir joining the government, but not in a key or decisive role. Politically, the party aims to attract right-wing voters dissatisfied with the current government's alliance with ultra-Orthodox factions, as well as those who have shifted support to opposition figures like Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Eizenkot. They predict their support will grow in polls following the launch, potentially forcing centrist parties to align with Eizenkot and prompting other centrist and right-wing factions to consolidate.

The party's core message is that Israel faces significant challenges requiring a broad-based government representing all sectors of society, with a strong security stance and a commitment to expanding settlements in the West Bank. The launch event is scheduled for the evening following the report, with the party's name yet to be announced.