'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 political party alongside MK Yuli Edelstein on Tuesday, as they prepare for upcoming elections. Edelstein recently parted ways with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling Likud Party due to ongoing disputes. Erdan expressed in May his intention to form a right-wing party that would not rely on extremist elements, aiming for a "government of national reconciliation." He stated that many in Israel seek an alternative to coalitions that involve extremist sides.

Erdan, who served as Israel's ambassador to the UN from 2020 to 2024 and previously to the US, has held numerous ministerial positions under Netanyahu, including environmental protection, communications, interior, public security, strategic affairs, public diplomacy, and regional cooperation. Edelstein, a long-time member of Likud, has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu's haredi-backed legislation, which critics claim encourages draft evasion due to the IDF's manpower shortage.

Edelstein resigned from Likud last month following tensions with the party, stemming from an attempt to pass a law increasing haredi enlistment.

The party's launch follows reports that senior figures on Israel's political Right are discussing the formation of a new "statesmanlike" right-wing party, informally dubbed "Likud B." Erdan has been active in various ministerial roles under Netanyahu for years as a Likud member. The party's primary goal appears to be creating a broad government coalition without extremist affiliations, as polls indicate no significant shift between Israel's political factions.

Reports suggest the party would be open to cooperation with various candidates, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett or Yesh Atid Party leader Gadi Eisenkot, in the upcoming elections.