[1] A month before the leadership election, incumbent leader Daniel Hershkowitz announced that he would not contend.

[4] The party's first leader was Daniel Hershkowitz, a mathematician who was chosen by a special committee led by Yaakov Amidror.

[11] On 17 May, Member of the Knesset Zevulun Orlev announced his intention to run for leadership,[12] challenging Hershkowitz.

[14] On 19 October, Bennett, Orlev and Hershkowitz participated in a televised debate held on Channel 2 and hosted by Amit Segal.

The debate took place a day after the National Union merged into the Jewish Home.