MK Haskel calls on right-wing figures to join new party for 'broad Zionist gov't' ahead of election

MK Sharren Haskel, leader of the Israel First Party, has launched a campaign urging right-wing figures to join her new party to form a “broad Zionist government.” She stated her party would consider joining a government with parties from “both sides of the aisle” after the elections. Haskel specifically called on MK Yuli Edelstein, who recently left Likud, to join her, and plans to appeal to other right-wing figures polling below the electoral threshold. Her campaign follows reports that former UN ambassador Gilad Erdan is also considering forming a new right-wing party.

"'Anyone but Bibi ' [Netanayhu] collapsed on October 7. Today's test is not personal. It is based on values."

Haskel explained that a broad Zionist government would prioritize “the state ahead of sectoral interests” and unite those who believe in shared burden and national responsibility. She emphasized “substantial red lines,” stating, “Parties that promote draft evasion or anti-Zionist elements will remain outside.” Haskel resigned as deputy foreign minister last week due to her inability to support government decisions, particularly contentious legislation freezing arrests of Haredi draft evaders. Other figures, including Benny Gantz and the Reservists Party, have also called for a broad Zionist government and indicated openness to sitting with Netanyahu.