Former Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch Joins New Right-Wing Party Founded by Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein

Aliza Bloch, former mayor of Beit Shemesh, announced her official joining of the new right-wing party established by former ministers Gilad Erdan and Knesset member Yuli Edelstein. Bloch, who had been in talks with various groups including the "third bloc," accepted Erdan and Edelstein's invitation, becoming the first public figure to formally join their emerging list. Last week, it was reported that the Likud party also attempted to recruit Bloch by offering her a secured spot, but she declined outright. Negotiations between Bloch and the new party leaders culminated in a formal agreement within the past day.

The announcement comes four days after Erdan and Edelstein declared the formation of their party, which emphasizes the importance of military conscription and the need to establish a broad Zionist unity government. Erdan stressed that the party will not support a narrow government with only 61 seats, neither under Netanyahu nor Benny Gantz, targeting right-wing voters who oppose ongoing draft evasion and those in opposition unwilling to join a left-wing government.

Separately, journalist Michael Shemesh reported that former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had approached Erdan months ago to explore political cooperation ahead of the elections, but Erdan refused to meet due to his reservations about the previous change government and its members. Bennett's office responded that he continues working to form a Zionist government to improve Israel.

Meanwhile, Kan News reported ongoing discussions between Netanyahu's circle and Erdan regarding a Likud secured spot. Netanyahu's recent "closed conversation" remark about imprisoning those who refuse Torah study or military service was reportedly intended as a serious gesture. However, Erdan rejected the offer, posting on X that "promises about conscription are no longer bought." Likud denied these claims, accusing Erdan of fabrications and stating he was refused leadership roles and never formally offered a secured spot on the party list.