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

Gilad Erdan has officially launched a new political party named "Unity," aiming to reshape the Israeli political landscape. The party, co-founded with Yuli Edelstein, promotes the slogan "True Right. True Service," signaling a focus on right-wing values and national service obligations.

The party recently faced controversy when new member Aliza Bloch suggested in an interview that she did not rule out joining a government coalition that includes the Arab party Ra'am. She indicated openness to a broad government that includes Arab representation committed to national service and recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Following public backlash, Bloch clarified her position, firmly rejecting any coalition with parties supporting terrorism or refusing 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 between Jews and Arabs. She explicitly excluded Ra'am and the Joint List, labeling them as terrorist-supporting parties.

Gilad Erdan echoed Bloch's clarification, stating unequivocally that his party will not join any government including Arab parties that support terrorism or deny Hamas's terrorist status. However, he left room for inclusion of patriotic Arab parties that support national service and Israel's Jewish identity, but not Ra'am or the Joint List.

This development highlights Erdan's attempt to redefine right-wing politics in Israel while navigating the sensitive issue of Arab party participation in government coalitions.