Olympic Medalist Oren Smadja Joins Gilad Erdan's Unity Party Ahead of Elections

Oren Smadja, former coach of the Israeli national judo team and Olympic medalist, officially joined the Unity party led by Gilad Erdan on Wednesday. The party, which Erdan unveiled just a day earlier in Beit Shemesh, carries the slogan "True Right. True Commitment." Erdan emphasized that the party's name, Unity, reflects a collective responsibility despite differing views, stating, "Unity is a call to all, a shared responsibility, our path and commitment." He pledged to fight for unity without compromise.

Alongside Smadja's announcement, former Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch declared her entry into the party. Bloch, who had considered multiple offers from the "third bloc," accepted Erdan and Yuli Edelstein's invitation to join the party list, becoming the first to do so. Last week, Erdan announced the party's formation and Edelstein's placement as second on the list.

Erdan criticized the Likud party, saying he could no longer consider it his home because its representatives no longer reflect the voters he cares about. He positioned the Unity party as a home for right-wing voters opposed to evasion and left-wing policies, including those currently in opposition. The party aims to consolidate right-wing voters seeking a genuine alternative ahead of upcoming elections.