Former Lawmaker Roy Folkman Joins Gilad Erdan’s New Party Unity Ahead of 2026 Elections

On August 11, 2026, Gilad Erdan officially launched his new political party, "Unity," with a slogan emphasizing "True Right. True Recruitment." The party was formed alongside former Likud MK Yuli Edelstein. Among the early additions to the party’s founding team is former Knesset member Roy Folkman, a senior figure from Moshe Kahlon's Kulanu party. Folkman has been involved recently in building the party’s infrastructure and preparing for upcoming elections, though he is not currently expected to run on the party’s Knesset list. Sources noted his role may evolve in the future. Folkman served in the 20th and 21st Knessets, chaired the Kulanu faction, and was a close associate of Kahlon, who facilitated his connection to Erdan.

Additionally, Olympic medalist and former Israeli national judo team coach Oren Smadja announced his joining of Unity after weeks of persuasion by Erdan. Smadja had reservations about the party’s chances to pass the electoral threshold but was convinced by polling data and promises of significant new members. Smadja’s personal story includes the recent loss of his 25-year-old son Omri, who served in the reserves in the Gaza Strip.

At the launch event in Beit Shemesh, Erdan also announced the official joining of MK Aliza Bloch. Erdan explained the party’s name "Unity" reflects a commitment to collective responsibility and shared effort despite differing views. He emphasized that the party will fight for unity without compromise as its core mission.