Gilad Erdan

Gilad Erdan is a central figure in Israel's national-conservative camp, recognized for his robust defense of Israeli sovereignty and security on the international stage. During his tenure as Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations (2020–2024), Erdan became a leading voice against institutional bias, frequently confronting the General Assembly and Security Council over their treatment of Israel, particularly following the October 7 massacre. His diplomatic style was characterized by a proactive and often visual approach to advocacy, aimed at exposing the activities of Hamas and the failures of UNRWA.

Before his diplomatic service, Erdan was a high-ranking minister in several Likud-led governments. His ministerial career spanned portfolios including Public Security, Strategic Affairs, and Communications. In these roles, he spearheaded efforts to combat the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and oversaw reforms within the Israel Police. His tenure as Minister of Strategic Affairs was particularly noted for framing the delegitimization of Israel as a strategic national security threat.

In August 2026, Erdan made a significant shift in his political trajectory. After signaling a return to domestic politics, he announced the formation of the "Unity Party" alongside Yuli Edelstein, marking a formal break with the Likud. Erdan positioned himself as a challenger to the current Likud leadership, seeking to form a large right-center bloc and engaging in talks with figures like Benny Gantz. However, on Friday, September 4, 2026, Erdan announced that the Unity Party would not contest the upcoming elections. He explained that the Israeli public is currently focused on a clear decision regarding the identity of the Prime Minister rather than a broad coalition, and noted that the party's current support levels did not guarantee passing the electoral threshold.