Yuli Edelstein Remains Knesset Member Four Weeks After Promising Resignation

Despite promising to resign from the Knesset "in the coming days" nearly four weeks ago, former Likud member Yuli Edelstein has yet to submit his resignation letter. Edelstein, along with Gilad Erdan, launched their new party, 'Ha'Achdut' (The Unity), earlier this month. On August 7th, the day after the party's launch, Edelstein stated in an interview that he would be leaving the Likud and submitting his resignation from the Knesset shortly.

At the party's launch, Edelstein presented himself as someone who had paid a personal and political price for his stance against the conscription law for Haredim, stating, "Unfortunately, the petty politics of a narrow coalition overcame the good of the country and the soldiers." He emphasized his pride in sticking to his mission even after being removed from his position as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, continuing to fight against "any attempt to pass a sweeping exemption law that would harm Israel's security."

However, as of now, Edelstein continues to hold his seat in the Knesset as part of the Likud faction, retaining associated advisor positions, while simultaneously working to establish his new political framework. His failure to submit the promised resignation letter leaves the question of his continued Knesset membership unresolved.