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 urged prominent right-wing politicians to join her new political entity in an effort to create a "broad Zionist government" before the upcoming general election scheduled for October 27. Speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, Haskel emphasized that her initiative aims to bring together diverse factions within the right-wing spectrum, including those who have fallen below the electoral threshold in recent polls. Haskel specifically called on MK Yuli Edelstein, who recently left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party, to join her movement. Edelstein had previously signaled his intention to pursue a new political direction. Haskel stated that her outreach would expand in the coming days to other right-wing figures who might otherwise struggle to gain representation in the Knesset due to low poll numbers. This move comes amid speculation that former Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan is also contemplating the creation of a new right-wing party to challenge Likud’s dominance. Haskel expressed openness to collaborating with both coalition and opposition parties, including the possibility of working with Netanyahu himself, despite previous tensions between her and the prime minister. Reflecting on the impact of the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023, Haskel remarked that the incident had erased traditional divisions between coalition and opposition. She argued that the current political climate demands unity over personal rivalries, emphasizing that the focus should be on shared values rather than individual ambitions. According to Haskel, a "broad Zionist government" would prioritize the nation’s interests above all else, promoting collective responsibility in areas such as security and military service. While her party would not exclude individuals outright, she outlined clear boundaries, stating that groups advocating for draft avoidance or anti-Zionist ideologies would remain excluded. “We are open to anyone who shares our vision of a united, national, and service-oriented state,” Haskel said. “Now is the time to rally together and build a government that reflects the true spirit of Zionism.” Haskel’s decision to launch her new party followed her recent resignation from the government as deputy foreign minister. Her departure was prompted by the Knesset’s approval of controversial legislation that effectively halted the arrest of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers. Haskel criticized this measure, arguing that it undermined national security during a period of intense military strain. She had previously voiced strong opposition to the legislative agenda supported by haredi parties, which many observers believe incentivizes draft evasion. Haskel’s resignation marked a significant break from the government, highlighting her growing disillusionment with its policies. Other notable figures advocating for a unified Zionist front include Blue and White Party leader MK Benny Gantz and the emerging alliance between Reservists Party leader Yoaz Hendel and former Blue and White MK Chili Tropper. These leaders, who have also struggled to maintain visibility in recent polls, have expressed willingness to collaborate with Netanyahu if it serves the broader national interest. Gantz, however, has maintained a more cautious stance regarding the opposition’s efforts to unseat Netanyahu. His alignment with the broader Zionist cause appears to be evolving, though he has not yet committed to formal participation in any specific coalition. As the election date approaches, the political landscape continues to shift, with multiple players vying for influence and positioning themselves to shape the future of Israel’s governance. Haskel’s initiative represents one of several attempts to forge a new consensus among right-wing factions, potentially altering the dynamics of the upcoming contest.