Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein Launch New Right-Wing Party 'The Unity'

Former Likud members Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein have officially named their new political party "The Unity." The announcement took place during an event where former Beit Shemesh mayor Dr. Aliza Bloch joined the party. This new political venture follows Erdan's departure from Likud and Edelstein's decision not to run in the party primaries, signaling their break from their former party to pursue a new right-wing, nationalist agenda.

The Unity positions itself as a right-wing nationalist party advocating for the formation of a broad Zionist government. Central to their platform is the promotion of a Basic Law mandating military or national service for all Israeli citizens. Erdan emphasized that the party will not join a narrow government, while Edelstein stated that they do not intend to provide the decisive 61st vote to any political bloc.

The party is expanding its ranks, with retired Colonel Hazi Nechama also joining alongside Bloch. Erdan expressed intentions to recruit more right-wing figures. Tensions have already arisen with Likud, especially after Edelstein suggested that if Gadi Eizenkot gains broad public support, The Unity might recommend him for prime minister, prompting sharp criticism from Likud representatives.