Former Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch Joins Gilad Erdan's New Right-Wing Party Unity

Dr. Aliza Bloch, former mayor of Beit Shemesh, announced on Tuesday her joining the new right-wing party "Unity," led by Gilad Erdan. The event, attended by former Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, also revealed the party's name for the first time. Bloch focused much of her speech on the issue of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) conscription, calling for a shift from slogans to a genuine integration plan based on responsibility. She emphasized the need to stop negotiating with political activists and instead engage directly with individuals, stating, "Every citizen in Israel is directly responsible for their connection, rights, and duties to the state."

Bloch affirmed her view that military service in the IDF is both a right and a duty, while also valuing Torah study, and expressed a desire not to pit these two values against each other. She chose to announce her party membership in Beit Shemesh, highlighting the city as a place where people can live together despite disagreements and work responsibly for the public good even without full consensus.

Party chairman Gilad Erdan welcomed Bloch, praising her experience, courage, and leadership potential, and expressed hope that Israel could resemble Beit Shemesh during her tenure, where diverse opinions coexist under a shared national responsibility. Yuli Edelstein described the party as building a "winning team" that will enforce unity and lead to decisive election results. He stressed that only a broad Zionist government, excluding non-Zionist and extremist factions, can gain public legitimacy and effectively address Israel's challenges.