Yuli Edelstein Leaves Likud After Decades, Plans New Political Path

Knesset member Yuli Edelstein announced his intention to leave the Likud party after serving for over twenty years. In an interview set to air on Saturday's "Meet the Press," the former Knesset Speaker explained that he can no longer support the party's policies and declared his plan to establish a new political framework. "I do not intend to run in the Likud primaries; I am embarking on a new political path," Edelstein said, acknowledging the difficulty of his decision and the surprise it has caused among his longtime supporters.

The rift began over the contentious conscription law, where Edelstein, as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, firmly opposed coalition demands to pass a version lacking significant recruitment targets and sanctions on the ultra-Orthodox community. This principled stance led to a prolonged confrontation with representatives of United Torah Judaism and Shas, as well as with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Earlier this week, Edelstein's spokesman, Maayan Samon, responded to criticism by stating that calling the push to draft ultra-Orthodox soldiers "personal revenge" is misplaced, especially amid ongoing military conflicts and the heavy burden on reservists and their families.

Political analysts expect Edelstein to help form a new political entity potentially including prominent figures such as former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and former Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, should they decide to run in upcoming elections.

Edelstein is not the only Likud member departing recently. Michal Kabsah, head of the Hatzor HaGlilit local council, also announced his exit, citing nearly two years of struggles with government ministries that left his town excluded from northern economic aid programs. He described the decision as painful but necessary to prioritize his community's interests.

Meanwhile, Israel appears headed toward elections. United Torah Judaism leaders called their recent meeting with Edelstein a failure, with Moshe Gafni instructed to leave the government and work toward its dissolution. Additionally, the Yesh Atid party announced plans to submit a bill next week to dissolve the Knesset, signaling escalating political tensions.