Likud Party Officially Expels Former Ministers, Demands Knesset Seat Return

The Likud party has officially terminated the membership of former ministers Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein, following their announcement to leave the party and form an independent political path. The party's director-general, David Sharan, sent formal letters to both politicians on Sunday, revoking all their political rights within the movement.

The letters, citing Article 21 V of the Likud constitution and decisions by authorized party bodies, retroactively canceled Edelstein's membership from July 3, 2026, the date he publicly declared his intention to leave. This action prohibits him from participating in party institutions, voting in primaries, or running for office under the Likud banner.

Significantly, the party specifically addressed Edelstein's status as a sitting Knesset member. Sharan's letter urged Edelstein to resign his seat, thereby allowing the next candidate on the Likud list to assume the mandate granted to the party in the last elections. Erdan, who does not currently hold a parliamentary seat, also received official notification of his membership termination.

While the termination of party membership does not automatically disqualify Edelstein from the Knesset, the Likud's demand represents a significant political pressure tactic. The party aims to prevent former members from retaining influence and to ensure their Knesset seats are filled by active party members. Edelstein retains the right to appeal the decision according to party bylaws.