Likud Denies Offering Gilad Erdan Protection Amid New Party Launch and Mutual Accusations

Following the announcement by former senior Likud members Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein about forming a new political party, the ruling Likud party issued several statements rejecting their claims and criticizing their motives. Erdan revealed in an interview on August 8, 2026, that he was recently offered a protected spot on the Likud list but declined immediately. Likud responded by denying that Prime Minister Netanyahu offered Erdan any such protection, either directly or indirectly.

Likud further accused Erdan and Edelstein of being "bitter fake right-wingers" attempting to steal votes and transfer them to a left-wing coalition led by Benny Gantz, Yair Golan, and the Muslim Brotherhood. In response, Erdan condemned Likud for "perpetuating evasion and abandoning the families of soldiers and servicemen." He also recalled their opposition to the evacuation of Gush Katif, blaming current Likud leadership for supporting it.

Edelstein stated that their new party would only support the establishment of a broad Zionist government, with leadership to be decided by the public. Erdan emphasized his refusal to be a second-in-command or subordinate to any party leader, asserting his understanding of what Israeli right-wing voters want today. He highlighted the need for broad consensus on judicial reforms and called for a political breakthrough uniting both political blocs to address Israel's significant challenges.

Erdan also outlined his vision for a wide-ranging government capable of enlisting ultra-Orthodox and Arab citizens in national service and tackling labor strikes, warning that a narrow government from either side would fail. He framed this as a matter of unity or demise for the country.