Gilad Erdan Satirical Campaign Targets Bennett & Likud

Gilad Erdan, who announced the formation of his new political party "HaAchdut" (The Unity) alongside Yuli Edelstein last week, released a sharply satirical campaign video on Wednesday. The advertisement, titled "Bennett Voters, There's a Cure for Your Stomach Pains," takes aim at both Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid's "Yachad" (Together) party as well as Likud.

Styled as a pharmaceutical commercial complete with the familiar voiceover and visual aesthetic typical of over-the-counter medication ads, the video opens with a person clutching his stomach in apparent discomfort while wearing a "Yachad with Bennett" party shirt. The narrator addresses Bennett's supporters directly: "Bennett voters, suffering from stomach pains? Having trouble digesting the union with Lapid? Are you being attacked by pains from the left side?"

The video then presents its proposed solution: a fictional medication package labeled "HaAchdut Forte." The packaging claims the remedy "prevents stomach pains from the connection to Yair Lapid, without the side effects of a full leftist government." The narrator promises viewers that this new solution contains "both real right-wing politics and real conscription, without side effects."

The attack extends beyond the Bennett-Lapid alliance. In the second portion of the video, text appears stating that the medication is "also suitable for Likud voters, whose party's primary candidate list is causing them sleepless nights."

Through this approach, Erdan—who left Likud after many years in its ranks—positions himself as an option for disillusioned right-wing voters from both Bennett's camp and within Likud itself.

When announcing the party's formation, Erdan criticized Likud, stating: "I am parting from the political home where I grew for more than 30 years. Unfortunately, I can no longer call it home. Likud's elected officials no longer represent Likud voters, whom I love so much."

Since then, accusations have flown between Likud and the Erdan-Edelstein duo, with Likud figures claiming that "Edelstein and Erdan are fake right-wingers who are bitter."

Meanwhile, Bennett faces his own significant challenges. According to reports, he is conducting intensive efforts to recruit Knesset member Chili Tropper and members of the "Beit Zioni" list to his party amid the polling decline. Tropper is reportedly also considering the possibility of joining a joint run with Gadi Eisenkot. Erdan's satirical video reflects the difficult struggle facing new parties to establish a clear identity and attract voters.

While Erdan attempts to present himself as a right-wing unity alternative, he must contend with public skepticism and fierce competition in Israel's crowded political arena.