Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein Launch New Right-Wing Party with Mixed Emotions

Former Likud members Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein announced the formation of a new right-wing political party on August 6, 2026, presenting it as an alternative to existing right-wing parties in Israel. In a joint statement, they criticized the current Likud leadership, expressing that it no longer represents its voters. Erdan described the day as one of the hardest yet most important in his life, marking his departure from the party where he spent over 30 years.

Erdan emphasized his commitment to Israel and right-wing values, including support for settlement and opposition to a Palestinian state. He called for restoring responsibility, mutual respect, and unity within the right, rejecting political extremism and stressing that political opponents are not enemies. He highlighted the real enemies as those in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. Erdan and Edelstein had previously formed a group called the Likud Rebels but never supported refusal to serve in the military, underscoring the importance of the Israel Defense Forces as a unifying institution.

The new party aims to attract right-wing voters who support the coalition but oppose draft evasion, as well as right-wing opposition members who reject a left-wing government. Erdan ruled out joining a narrow government and pledged to legislate a Basic Law mandating military or national service for all citizens. He concluded by rejecting the false choice between national government and shared burden, or between settlement and universal service, calling for a new political approach beyond the traditional two-bloc system to address Israel’s challenges.

The announcement signals a significant shift in the Israeli right-wing political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections, with Erdan and Edelstein positioning their party as a unifying home for right-wing voters committed to both settlement and national service.