Former Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan formally launched a new political party Thursday evening, saying he is parting from Likud after more than 30 years, according to Israeli media reports. Erdan stated that Likud's elected officials no longer represent its voters and committed not to sit in any narrow government.
Former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations and the United States, Gilad Erdan, formally launched his new political party on Thursday evening at 18:31 Jerusalem time, confirming his departure from the Likud party after more than three decades. In a statement reported by Israeli media, Erdan said: 'Likud's elected officials no longer represent its voters.' He also committed not to sit in any narrow government, signaling an intention to seek a broad coalition framework.
Erdan's move is the latest in a wave of high-profile departures from Likud in recent weeks. As The Zioneer reported, former Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein announced his departure on July 3-4, citing an inability to justify the party's policies and his plan to form a new political framework aimed at national unity. On July 12, former MK Gadi Yevarkan left Likud to establish the right-wing social-economic party 'Beit Yisrael.' Earlier reports from August 5 indicated that Erdan said in closed conversations he would not bring individuals from the previous 'change government' into his party, aiming to lead the national camp.
The departures have been driven by ideological disagreements, particularly over military service and coalition discipline. Erdan's announcement adds to a growing independent bloc outside the current coalition and the opposition.
The name of Erdan's new party has not yet been disclosed. It remains unclear which additional political figures may join his framework.
8 developments
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- DevelopingGantz hints at political unification: 'Patience'
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