Former Likud minister pushes national unity agenda while rejecting dependence on Arab-backed and haredi-driven coalitions..
Former Likud Minister and former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan announced that he is actively exploring the creation of a new unified right-wing political party aimed at reshaping Israel’s political landscape amid growing public frustration with existing coalition structures.
Speaking in an interview with Channel 12 News, Erdan firmly rejected any characterization of himself as politically centrist.
“I am not a centrist; I am firmly on the right,” Erdan declared while outlining his vision for a broader national movement focused on governance, unity, and practical state priorities.
Erdan argued that following the October 7 attacks, a large portion of the Israeli public has become increasingly dissatisfied with what he described as limited and dysfunctional political options.
“There is a very large segment of the public — especially after October 7 — that is tired of the only two options being a right-wing government dependent on haredi parties, which prevents a true equal sharing of the burden regarding the draft and core curriculum studies,” he stated.
At the same time, Erdan sharply criticized the Israeli left, claiming that opposition parties are increasingly focused on political boycotts and coalition maneuvering rather than addressing national challenges.
“On the left — especially after the Bennett-Lapid merger — we see a competition over who will lead the bloc and who can boycott the other side more,” he said.
Erdan further argued that many Israelis remain uncomfortable with the prospect of governments dependent on Arab political support, reflecting broader national security concerns and political divisions intensified since the October 7 Hamas attacks.
“It is clear to most of the public that such a leftist government would be dependent on Arab votes,” he added.
According to Erdan, Israel currently faces a significant political vacuum among voters seeking national reconciliation without abandoning strong right-wing security principles.
“There is a political vacuum of people who want to see national reconciliation — who want to see us sitting together and tackling the real issues,” Erdan explained, citing transportation failures, governance problems in the Galilee and Negev, and growing public exhaustion over constant political infighting.
He emphasized that ongoing partisan battles are preventing Israel from addressing major strategic and domestic challenges requiring long-term national decision-making.
“If established, it will be a unified right-wing party. A decision will be made in the coming weeks,” Erdan confirmed.
Recent reports have indicated growing discussions around the possible formation of a new political framework involving prominent former and current Likud-affiliated figures, including former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, MK Yuli Edelstein, and Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel.
The emerging initiative reflects increasing turbulence within Israel’s political system as parties reposition themselves ahead of possible future elections amid ongoing regional conflict, security concerns, and domestic debates surrounding governance and national unity.
