Israel's Former UN Ambassador Is Back With a New Party to Shake Up the Right

Former Likud minister and former Israeli ambassador to the UN and US Gilad Erdan confirmed Tuesday that he is actively exploring a return to politics and working to form a new party ahead of the coming elections.

Speaking to Army Radio, Erdan said he is trying to build a political framework that would appeal to center-right voters who feel politically homeless.

“I am trying to establish a party that will work for a government of national reconciliation,” Erdan said. “There are hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have no alternative today, who do not want a coalition dependent on extreme sides.”

His remarks followed a Channel 13 report Monday night that Erdan has been holding behind-the-scenes talks as he weighs whether to launch the new party, with a final decision expected within two weeks.

According to the report, Erdan has sharply criticized his former party in closed conversations, saying he doubts Likud can survive long-term in its current form.

“I find it hard to see Likud surviving in the long term with its current list,” he reportedly told associates.

Erdan is also said to be setting strict conditions for joining forces with other figures on the national-right, ruling out a technical equal partnership with names such as Yoaz Hendel or Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter.

Instead, Erdan has reportedly made clear that any other players would have to join under his leadership.

The move could add another competitor in the already crowded center-right field, as parties try to attract voters uncomfortable with Netanyahu’s coalition but unwilling to move left.