Gilad Erdan Predicts Party Mergers Ahead of Israeli Elections

Gilad Erdan, former Israeli ambassador to the UN and recent founder of a new right-wing party alongside Yuli Edelstein, stated in a 103FM interview on Sunday that he expects further mergers and changes before the election candidate lists close. Erdan challenged claims that their political bloc would only secure four or five Knesset seats, projecting instead around ten mandates based on research. He emphasized that if the public understands the harm of a narrow government, their potential support could increase.

Erdan revealed he was recently approached by a senior figure close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a high-ranking offer within Likud, which he declined, choosing to lead an independent path. He stressed that his focus is on influence and leading change to form a broad Zionist government, not on personal positions or titles.

Addressing criticism from both right and left accusing him of being Netanyahu's proxy, Erdan dismissed such claims, highlighting his consistent right-wing record since opposing the disengagement from Gush Katif and the Oslo Accords. He explained that his new party formation was a difficult personal decision after 30 years in Likud, motivated by a belief that the party no longer represents the majority of its voters, particularly on core issues like equal national service.

Erdan underscored the importance of a broad Zionist government and mutual respect among Israelis, regardless of political or religious differences, especially in light of the unity needed after the events of October 7. He called for reducing internal divisions to govern together effectively, citing cooperation among diverse groups in fighting at Kibbutz Be'eri as an example.

The new party’s name will be announced soon, and Erdan’s statements signal ongoing realignments in Israel’s right-wing political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.