Ardan: "The Unity Party will not run in the upcoming elections"
In light of low polling numbers and the collapse of talks with Benny Gantz, Gilad Ardan has announced that his Unity Party will withdraw from the upcoming election race. Party leaders, including Yuli Edelstein, stated that the public is currently focused on the identity of the next Prime Minister rather than a unity government. Gadi Eisenkot has called on other parties hovering near the electoral threshold to follow suit.
Shortly after the collapse of contacts with Benny Gantz, the chairman of the Unity Party, Gilad Ardan, announced that the party under his leadership—which was joined by Yuli Edelstein, Aliza Bloch, and Oren Smadja, among others—will not run in the upcoming elections.
Ardan stated that he established his party out of a "sense of mission," believing that Israel needs a broad Zionist government capable of passing a meaningful conscription law and resolving national disputes. According to him, the October 7 massacre and the heavy price paid by Israeli citizens required a change in direction.
"Unfortunately, after about a month of campaigning, reality shows that in the upcoming elections, a large majority of the public seeks first and foremost a clear decision on the question of the identity of the Prime Minister, and the need for a broad unity government is not high on the citizens' priority list," Ardan said.
He explained that despite their efforts, support for the party did not guarantee passing the electoral threshold, and potential alliances within the "unity bloc" failed to materialize. "Leadership is also recognizing reality as it is and acting responsibly, and I believe that we must ensure that our voters' votes influence the election result and are not wasted," he said, adding that he remains committed to serving the public and the soldiers of the IDF.
Ardan, who left the Likud, had established his party as part of the "third bloc," which is primarily identified with right-wing positions but seeks to enforce a broad coalition rather than joining a specific majority bloc. This bloc also includes Gantz's Blue and White, as well as the "Zionist Home - The Reservists" party led by Yoaz Hendel and Chili Tropper.
Gadi Eisenkot's Yeshar! party responded to the withdrawal with a pointed message directed at Gantz:
"We welcome the decision of Gilad Ardan and Yuli Edelstein. This is a responsible and leadership decision that will increase the chance of replacing the October 7 government and establishing a broad Zionist government. Any party that is on the threshold of the electoral barrier should act with the same responsibility and put the good of Israel before any other consideration."
