Erdan and Edelstein Set to Announce New Party Without Shaked

Former minister and ambassador Gilad Erdan is preparing to announce a new liberal right-wing party next week, according to reports citing Kan News. Former Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein is expected to take the second slot and lead its platform on equal national service and Haredi enlistment. The planned list would call for a broad Zionist government and pledge not to join a narrow government led by either bloc. Ayelet Shaked is not expected to join, talks with Benny Gantz have not produced a merger, and Erdan's associates said a launch still depends on securing campaign resources.