Gilad Erdan Criticizes Likud as Losing Its Original Values Amid Coalition Deals

Gilad Erdan, chairman of the Unity Party, sharply criticized the ruling Likud party following its recent primaries, saying it no longer represents the original values he grew up with. Speaking on Radio North 104.5FM on August 18, 2026, Erdan, a former longtime Likud member and six-time Knesset candidate, expressed disappointment over the party's direction, especially its alliance with ultra-Orthodox factions. He highlighted how these alliances have led Likud to break promises to voters, particularly harming soldiers and reservists' families, and obstructing economic reforms like reducing import costs and online shopping fees.

Erdan accused the party of being influenced by ultra-Orthodox voters linked to Agudat Yisrael and by endorsements from figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, which he said undermined free-market principles and national security commitments. He stressed that ideology and principles should take precedence over political deals and that the current Likud deviates from these standards.

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Erdan emphasized the Unity Party's goal to foster political cohesion without uniformity, advocating for a genuine right-wing stance combined with real military conscription reforms. He insisted that any future government including his party must involve cooperation among all sides. Erdan also noted that some Likud members had already approached him, recognizing the flaws in the party’s primary system and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s demand for a record number of reserved spots on the candidate list, which he interpreted as an attempt to conceal weaknesses.

Erdan’s comments reflect growing tensions within Israel’s right-wing political landscape as the Unity Party positions itself as an alternative to Likud’s current leadership and coalition strategies.