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

Former UN ambassador Gilad Erdan launched a new unnamed right-wing party with MK Yuli Edelstein on Tuesday, ahead of the October 27 elections. The party will compete against Likud, promote universal IDF conscription, and avoid a 'narrow government.' Erdan ruled out coalition with the left-wing Democrats Party, calling it a 'clear red line.'

Former Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan launched a new right-wing party on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, alongside MK Yuli Edelstein, who recently left Likud. The party, not yet named, will compete in the October 27 elections and will be led by Erdan. At the launch in Tel Aviv, Erdan outlined policies including universal IDF conscription, calling for a Basic Law requiring all citizens to perform military or national service. He pledged the party would not join a 'narrow government' and would not rule out partnerships with opposition parties like Yashar's Gadi Eisenkot and B'Yachad's Naftali Bennett. However, he drew a 'clear red line' against sitting with the left-wing Democrats Party led by Yair Golan. Erdan emphasized his right-wing credentials, opposing a Palestinian state and supporting settlement. He said additional major figures would join in coming days. Edelstein left Likud after tensions over haredi conscription legislation. The launch follows reports of talks on forming a 'statesmanlike' right-wing party, informally called 'Likud B.'