Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein Launch New Party After Failed Third Bloc Unity Talks

In recent weeks, efforts to unify a "third bloc" political alliance in Israel, aiming to offer an alternative to Likud and the center, have collapsed amid internal disputes. The main negotiations involved Yuli Edelstein and Ayelet Shaked on one side, and Benny Gantz and Dedi Simchi on the other. According to reports, Edelstein and Shaked insisted that if Gantz led the list, they would lose right-wing voters, leading to proposals for complex leadership arrangements including triple or even quadruple leadership teams. Gantz agreed to almost everything except relinquishing the top spot, only willing to share it.

Gilad Erdan, who was not involved in these negotiations, chose to form a new party independently, with Edelstein eventually joining him. Despite media speculation and polls, Shaked never considered joining Erdan and warned him and Edelstein that their party would likely fail to cross the electoral threshold. Erdan ignored these warnings and officially announced the new party's formation.

Erdan and Edelstein's move is compared to Gideon Sa'ar's previous split from Likud, which initially polled well but ultimately collapsed. Currently, Erdan and Edelstein's party holds about one and a half mandates and faces financial challenges that could hinder their campaign. Many within Likud view Erdan's departure as a grave mistake, believing he should have remained to strengthen his position before challenging for leadership.

Despite the risks, Erdan and Edelstein, both experienced politicians, likely have further plans beyond this initial step. The final outcome will become clearer by September 8, the deadline for submitting party lists for the upcoming elections.