Yuli Edelstein Leaves Likud to Form New Right-Wing Party with Ayelet Shaked

Knesset member Yuli Edelstein announced he will not participate in the upcoming Likud primaries and is instead working to establish a new right-wing conservative political party. This move comes amid advanced negotiations with former minister Ayelet Shaked, aiming to create a Zionist right-wing alternative that is independent of Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties. The new party is expected to be officially announced within two weeks and is engaging with other notable figures such as former Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch, Samaria deputy council head David Ben-Zion, and bereaved father Haggai Luber.

Edelstein, who recently opposed the exemption from military service law and was removed as chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee due to his stance, emphasized his opposition to laws enforcing zero exemptions, calling them populist. The party seeks to renew religious Zionism and provide a home for right-wing voters who feel unrepresented by current parties. Shaked has also been working to regain her political base, meeting with former Jewish Home party activists and local officials who feel politically homeless following her split with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Internal polls suggest the new party could secure double-digit Knesset seats, drawing support from both opposition and coalition voters. Despite outreach to the ultra-Orthodox community, the party insists on the necessity of Haredi participation in the country's economic and security efforts. The official launch is anticipated within two weeks, with additional political figures expected to join. The key question remains whether this new party can surpass the electoral threshold and become a significant force in Israeli politics.