Gilad Erdan Launches New Right-Wing Party, Criticizes Likud as No Longer Representing Voters

Former Minister and Ambassador Gilad Erdan announced on Thursday evening the formation of a new right-wing political party, alongside former Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair and Minister Yuli Edelstein. In a joint statement, Erdan sharply criticized their former party, Likud, claiming it no longer represents its voters. "This is one of the hardest days of my life, but also one of the most important," Erdan said, adding that after over 30 years in Likud, he can no longer call it his political home.

Erdan emphasized that his new party will not support any narrow government coalition reliant on extreme or sectarian parties. He advocated for a broad Zionist government independent of ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties. The party will prioritize shared national service obligations and oppose exemptions, aiming to legislate a Basic Law mandating military or national service for all citizens. Erdan stated, "True right-wing means both settlement and universal service," rejecting the notion that voters must choose between these values.

Edelstein, speaking after Erdan, framed the party's creation as a response to the October 7 terror attacks and the resulting national divisions. He highlighted his personal political cost after opposing a controversial draft exemption law favored by coalition ultra-Orthodox parties, asserting he helped prevent a "dangerous exemption law". Edelstein called for healing societal rifts and restoring trust, describing the new party as a home for hundreds of thousands of Israelis who feel politically homeless despite their love and service to the country.

Behind the scenes, Edelstein has engaged in talks with other right-wing figures, including Benny Gantz and former minister Ayelet Shaked, aiming to unify smaller parties into a stronger bloc. However, Shaked will not join Erdan and Edelstein's party but remains interested in a broader alliance. The new party plans to recruit additional right-wing members in the coming days. The founders stressed their goal is to end personal boycotts and bring about a decisive election result that enables a broad Zionist government.

This development reflects ongoing fragmentation and realignment within Israel's right-wing political landscape, with Erdan and Edelstein positioning themselves as alternatives to Likud amid dissatisfaction among its traditional base.