Gilad Erdan Announces Formation of New Right-Wing Party with Yuli Edelstein

On August 6, 2026, former minister and ambassador Gilad Erdan announced the establishment of a new right-wing political party in Israel. Erdan declared that former Knesset member Yuli Edelstein, who left Likud about a month ago, will be placed second on the party's list. In his announcement, Erdan described the day as one of the hardest in his life, marking his departure from the political home where he had grown for over thirty years. He expressed disappointment that Likud representatives no longer represent its voters and emphasized that he is not abandoning his lifelong right-wing values.

Erdan reaffirmed his belief in the Land of Israel and settlement, opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state. He stressed the need to restore responsibility, dignity, and mutual respect to the right-wing camp. Reflecting on his service as a minister and ambassador to the United States, Erdan said he learned that Israel's enemies do not distinguish between political factions. He cited the October 7 Hamas attack as a moment when Israelis from both right and left united and sacrificed together, leading him to view internal disputes differently since then.