The Israeli Right needs a merger, not another messiah - opinion

The Israeli Right is grappling with a leadership crisis, not a deficit of voters, as evidenced by the proliferation of new political formations. Figures like Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein have launched a new group, Sharren Haskel has created Israel First, and Yoaz Hendel and Chili Tropper have formed Zionist Home, while Ayelet Shaked and Ofer Winter are exploring similar political territory. These groups are vying for the same politically homeless electorate, a situation that risks diluting right-wing votes below the 3.25% threshold required for Knesset representation.

The article posits that while voters may be less confused than politicians, the multiplication of parties indicates a genuine constituency exists for a national, Zionist, security-oriented, classically liberal, and democratic right. These voters desire Jewish sovereignty, military strength, economic freedom, and the rule of law, but reject narrow definitions of the Right, such as those potentially represented by Itamar Ben-Gvir or Yair Golan. Some still support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while others believe his era must conclude, but they have not shifted to the left.

Historically, Likud defined itself as a broad national-liberal movement, encompassing Jewish nationalism, settlement, and security alongside individual liberty, civil rights, the rule of law, and a competitive free market. Its strength lay in its wide appeal. However, the article argues that in its latter years, the Netanyahu era saw Likud contract from this broad base into a system focused on coalition maintenance. Dependence on haredi parties and figures like Ben-Gvir has allegedly pulled Likud away from shared national responsibility and allowed less disciplined politicians to become symbols of the entire Right.

The evidence of this contraction, the author suggests, is seen in the departure of prominent former Likud figures who now believe the national-liberal movement needs a merger rather than another singular leader. The current fragmentation risks the loss of significant right-wing representation in the Knesset, undermining the potential for a unified and effective right-wing bloc.