Gilad Erdan Launches New Right-Wing Party, Criticizes Likud as No Longer His Home

Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the UN and former minister, officially announced on Thursday evening the formation of a new right-wing political party under his leadership. In his speech, Erdan sharply criticized the Likud party, stating he can no longer consider it his home after more than 30 years of affiliation. He described the day as one of the hardest yet most important in his life, expressing disappointment that Likud representatives no longer represent their voters as he sees fit.

Erdan pledged that his new party would not join any narrow coalition government. He reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to right-wing values, including belief in the Land of Israel, settlement, and governance, and his firm opposition to establishing a Palestinian state. He emphasized the need to restore responsibility, internal respect, and mutual honor to the right-wing camp, while rejecting left-wing ideologies. Erdan stressed that political opponents are not enemies, identifying Israel's true adversaries as Tehran, Gaza, and Lebanon.

The party aims to attract right-wing voters who supported the current coalition but oppose evasion of national duties, as well as right-wing opposition members who reject a left-wing government. Among its key legislative goals is enacting a Basic Law on national service, mandating military or national service for all Israeli citizens. Erdan criticized the current disparities in service obligations among different communities and called for equal responsibility. He concluded by rejecting the false choice between national service and settlement, asserting that true right-wing values encompass both.

Erdan's move signals a significant realignment in Israel's right-wing political landscape, challenging Likud's dominance and seeking to unify right-wing voters around shared duties and values.