'This is the hardest day of my life': Erdan and Edelstein set out - with mixed feelings

Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein, former Likud members, announced the establishment of a new right-wing party as an alternative to existing right-wing parties. Erdan criticized Likud, emphasized the importance of IDF service, and presented the party as a home for the right. He called for legislating a Basic Law on Service and rejected the dichotomy between right-wing and enlistment.

Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein, former Likud members, announced the establishment of a new right-wing party as an alternative to existing right-wing parties. In a statement delivered by Erdan, he described the day as 'one of the hardest days of my life, but also one of the most important,' and bid farewell to Likud, the political home where he grew for over 30 years. He claimed that Likud's elected officials no longer represent their voters, and emphasized his commitment to right-wing values, including opposition to a Palestinian state and support for settlement. Erdan called for restoring 'responsibility, Betar-like dignity, and mutual respect,' and clarified that a political rival is not an enemy, and that the enemies are in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. He stressed the importance of the 'people's army' and his opposition to refusal. The new party will work to legislate a Basic Law: Service, according to which every citizen will serve in the military or national service. Erdan appealed to the right in the coalition and opposition, presenting the party as their 'home,' while rejecting the idea of choosing between right and enlistment, or between settlement and service for all, calling it a 'false choice.'