Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein Launch New Right-Wing Party Aiming for Broad Zionist Government

Former minister and ambassador Gilad Erdan, alongside Member of Knesset Yuli Edelstein, announced the formation of a new right-wing political party on Thursday evening, with Erdan as leader and Edelstein in second place. The party, which has yet to be officially named, promotes the vision of a "third bloc" designed to break the traditional two-bloc political system and establish a broad Zionist government. Erdan expressed deep personal difficulty in leaving the Likud party after over 30 years, stating that current Likud representatives no longer reflect its voters. He reaffirmed his lifelong right-wing values, opposition to a Palestinian state, and commitment to Israeli sovereignty and settlement.

Erdan emphasized that the new party will not support any narrow government dependent on extremist or sectoral parties, advocating instead for a broad Zionist coalition independent of ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties. Reflecting on his service as minister and ambassador, Erdan cited the October 7 Hamas attack as a moment when Israelis united beyond political divides, questioning why such unity cannot extend to governance. He also outlined plans to legislate a Basic Law on national service, mandating military or civilian service for all citizens and removing exemptions and autonomy for any group, including ultra-Orthodox and Arabs.

Yuli Edelstein, who left Likud over conscription issues, highlighted his efforts to promote fair draft laws for reservists and his opposition to legislation he viewed as enabling draft evasion. He pledged that the new party would pass comprehensive conscription legislation within 100 days of forming a government. Erdan also criticized the Democratic Party and its leader Yair Golan for anti-Israel rhetoric, ruling out coalition cooperation with them. Regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu, Erdan stated he does not determine Netanyahu's future role.

The announcement received support from Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, who welcomed the new party's return to the political arena and its call for a broad Zionist unity government. Meanwhile, former minister Ayelet Shaked is reportedly working to unify forces within the "third bloc" but is not currently joining Erdan and Edelstein’s list, seeking a broader alliance to avoid vote splitting. Erdan and Edelstein are also in talks to include other figures such as Aliza Bloch, Oren Samdech, and retired Colonel Hazi Nechama in their emerging party list.