'Right, enlistment, unity': Ex-UN ambassador Gilad Erdan launches new party with Edelstein

Former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan launched a new right-wing party on Tuesday, joining forces with MK Yuli Edelstein, who recently departed from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party. The new political entity aims to present an alternative for voters seeking a less extremist government.

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would not rely on extremists

Erdan expressed his intention to establish a right-wing party that "would not rely on extremists" and is working toward a "government of national reconciliation." He stated that "hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have no alternative" are looking for a coalition not dependent on extreme elements. Erdan previously served as Israel's ambassador to the UN for four years and also held the position of ambassador to the US.

Edelstein's departure from Likud stemmed from ongoing tensions, particularly his vocal criticism of contentious legislation advanced by Netanyahu's coalition. This legislation, backed by Haredi parties, has faced opposition for potentially encouraging draft evasion amid a severe manpower shortage in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Edelstein had also been removed from his role as chairperson of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee due to these disagreements.

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government of national reconciliation

The party's formation follows reports of senior right-wing figures discussing a new "statesmanlike" party, informally dubbed "Likud B." The new party reportedly seeks to form a broad government without extremist parties, as polls indicate no decisive shift between Israel's political blocs. It is not expected to commit in advance to Netanyahu's bloc or potential alliances led by rival candidates.

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There are hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have no alternative who do not want a coalition that relies on extremist sides.