Likud MKs see the end — and are lining up for the new party
Changes to the primaries and reserved spots in Likud are causing frustration among MKs and candidates, some of whom have approached Gilad Erdan's circle to explore joining "Ha-Achdut" (Unity). His circle clarified that those joining will be required to commit to the party's core principles.
The ban on the participation of current and former Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers in the slots allocated for districts has sparked anger and frustration in recent weeks among Likud ministers and MKs, most of whom are not expected to be part of the next list.
After Gilad Erdan announced last week the establishment of the 'Ha-Achdut' party under his leadership, together with MK Yuli Edelstein, several current MKs and candidates in the Likud primaries, disappointed by Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved spots and the change in the primary system, approached figures in Erdan's circle and inquired about joining the party.
Those MKs were supported by findings that emerged last week from a 'Maariv' poll conducted by the 'Agam' institute, according to which no less than 14% of Likud voters say there is a high probability they will vote for Erdan's 'Ha-Achdut' party.
Sources familiar with the details say that Erdan's circle is examining these inquiries, and in any case, they have responded that all those joining the party must commit to the party's core principles, which include a commitment not to sit in any narrow government, to promote a real draft of ultra-Orthodox into the IDF, and national service for Arabs. The 'Ha-Achdut' party stated in response: "We will not comment on things said in closed conversations."
