Several Likud MKs Consider Joining Gilad Erdan's New Party Amid Primary Dispute

Several incumbent Likud members of the Knesset, currently running in the party primaries, have recently approached Gilad Erdan to explore the possibility of joining his newly formed party, 'The Unity,' according to a report by Maariv on Thursday. This move stems from significant frustration among these MKs over the prohibition preventing current and former ministers and deputy ministers from competing in slots reserved for regional constituencies in the primaries.

Last week, Gilad Erdan announced the establishment of 'The Unity' party, which he leads alongside MK Yuli Edelstein. Sources familiar with the situation told Srugim News that Erdan's team is considering these approaches but insists that any new members must commit to the party's core principles. These include a pledge not to join any narrow government coalition that advances genuine conscription of Haredim into the Israel Defense Forces and national service for Arabs.

In response to the reports, 'The Unity' party stated it would not comment on private conversations. Earlier on the same day, MK Eliyahu Revivo became the first Likud member to withdraw from the primaries, citing the party's system and reserved slots as barriers preventing him from securing a realistic position on the list.