Yuli Edelstein Expected to Leave Likud and Form New Right-Wing Political Faction

After more than two decades in the Likud party, Knesset member Yuli Edelstein is anticipated to depart from the party soon. This move follows his decision to vote against coalition-backed legislation tied to the ultra-Orthodox parties' deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Edelstein plans to launch a new political path, potentially alongside figures like Gilad Erdan and Ayelet Shaked, should they also decide to run.

The relationship between Edelstein and the Likud leadership has deteriorated irreparably, especially after a fierce dispute over the military conscription law, his removal as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and ongoing tensions with Netanyahu. Edelstein opposed advancing a draft law lacking significant recruitment targets and personal and institutional sanctions, putting him at odds with the ultra-Orthodox parties and the Prime Minister's office. This conflict culminated in his ousting from the committee chairmanship when most of the Likud faction voted to replace him.

Edelstein, first elected to the Knesset in 1996 and joining Likud in 2003 through the merger with Israel Beiteinu, has served as a minister, Knesset speaker, and committee chair, and previously challenged Netanyahu for Likud leadership. According to sources, he now believes his chapter in Likud has ended and prefers to start anew politically.

If completed, Edelstein's departure would be one of the most significant senior Likud exits in recent years, signaling an effort to establish a new political home for nationalistic right-wing members who do not see their future within the current Likud framework. Recently, senior rabbis and public figures from the religious Zionist sector have approached Edelstein and former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to promote a new political framework aimed at national-religious voters disillusioned with the coalition and those who do not identify with the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich.

Insiders say these efforts stem from a perception of a political void on the right for voters who align with nationalist views but do not feel represented by existing parties. The initiative seeks to unite various right and center-right constituencies ahead of the next election cycle.