Gilad Erdan Launches New Party 'Unity' Emphasizing True Right and National Service

Gilad Erdan, alongside his partner Yuli Edelstein, has established a new political party named "Unity," aiming to reshape the Israeli political landscape. The party's slogan is "True Right. True Service," signaling a focus on national service and right-wing values. The announcement was made public on August 11, 2026.

Aliza Bloch, a recent addition to Erdan's party, sparked controversy by suggesting in an interview that her party might consider including the Arab party Ra'am in a broad coalition government. She stated that such a party would need to support national service for all Arab citizens and recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. However, following backlash, Bloch clarified her position, firmly rejecting any coalition with parties that support terrorism or refuse to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. She emphasized that a broad government should only include Zionist parties committed to Israel's Jewish identity and shared responsibility among Jews and Arabs.

Gilad Erdan echoed Bloch's clarification, stating unequivocally that his party will not join any government with Arab parties supporting terrorism, specifically naming Ra'am and the Joint List. He affirmed that while there is room in the government for patriotic Arab citizens who support national service and Israel's Jewish identity, parties like Ra'am and the Joint List are excluded due to their support for terrorism.

This development highlights Erdan's attempt to consolidate right-wing forces under a new banner while navigating the sensitive issue of Arab party participation in Israeli coalition politics. The party's stance on national service and its firm rejection of alliances with parties linked to terrorism will likely shape its political alliances and voter base moving forward.