Erdan and Shaked Withdraw from Upcoming Election, Citing Need for Unity Government

Former Israeli ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, and ex‑justice minister Ayelet Shaked announced on Sunday that they will not be candidates in the forthcoming election. Both cited the current political landscape and the difficulty of forming a broad unity government as reasons for their decision.

Erdan, who leads the Unity Party, explained that after evaluating the electoral odds, he concluded the party was unlikely to cross the threshold and that attempts to merge with other groups had not succeeded. “I have dedicated my life to serving Israel and its people,” he said. “This sense of mission drove me to create the Unity Party several weeks ago, because I believe Israel needs a wide‑ranging Zionist government capable of passing genuine conscription laws and resolving disputes.”

He added, “The horrific events of October 7 and the heavy toll on Israeli citizens made it clear that we must change direction.” After a month of campaigning, Erdan noted that most Israelis were focused primarily on who should become prime minister rather than on building a unity government.

“Reality shows that most voters are looking for a clear prime‑ministerial choice rather than a broad unity government,” Erdan said. “Withdrawing from the race is a responsible decision that ensures our supporters’ votes are not wasted and can influence the final outcome.”

Erdan: Pulling Out Is the Responsible Choice

He further emphasized, “Despite our efforts, the Unity Party’s support does not give us a realistic chance of passing the electoral threshold, and we have not been able to join a broader unity bloc. Therefore, we will not run in the upcoming election.”

Erdan stressed that leadership means recognizing reality and acting responsibly. “We must make sure our supporters’ votes shape the election results rather than being lost,” he said.

Shaked Announces Decision Not to Run

Shaked also revealed she will not contest the election, expressing disappointment that Israel’s political system has not moved toward greater cooperation after the October 7 massacre. “I hoped the tragedy would shift the political reality,” she said. “Instead, the upcoming election appears to revert to familiar patterns of camps and boycotts, with two blocs that, in my view, are dividing the nation.”

She argued that a broad government spanning the political spectrum is essential to tackle Israel’s security, diplomatic, and economic challenges, but concluded that such a government is unattainable in the current electoral cycle. “I truly believe a cross‑bloc government is necessary, yet it seems impossible now,” she noted.

Shaked thanked those who encouraged her to return to politics and affirmed she will keep contributing to Israel outside of elected office. “I promise to keep serving the State of Israel in every way I can,” she said. “Better days are ahead.”

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