Yuli Edelstein Leaves Likud After 23 Years, Rejects Change Bloc, Calls for Broad Zionist Government

After more than two decades in Likud, veteran Knesset member Yuli Edelstein announced his departure from the party in an exclusive interview on July 4, 2026, on the program "Meet the Press." Edelstein declared he will not run in the Likud primaries and is embarking on a new political path focused on establishing a "broad Zionist government." He emphasized, "I am a right-wing man, I was and remain so," and explicitly stated that the so-called Change Bloc is not relevant to him.

Edelstein criticized the Basic Law on Torah Study, calling it a law designed to perpetuate draft evasion and complicate future legal discussions about equal military service. He expressed frustration with the current political leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he knows well. Edelstein suggested that Netanyahu might privately agree with his stance on the draft exemption law but is constrained by coalition politics involving ultra-Orthodox parties. He also questioned the rationale behind Netanyahu's continued support for these arrangements despite public opposition.

Regarding his future plans, Edelstein indicated he intends to form or join an independent political framework representing responsible right-wing values, including support for military conscription, judicial reform, and security for northern and southern Israel. He mentioned ongoing discussions with figures such as Gilad Erdan, Ayelet Shaked, Naftali Bennett, and Gadi Eisenkot but ruled out affiliation with the Change Bloc or any non-Zionist parties, including ultra-Orthodox factions.

Edelstein expressed hope that after the upcoming elections, a coalition of Zionist and right-wing parties could be formed, possibly including Likud, Bennett, Eisenkot, and others, to create a government not dependent on non-Zionist parties. He stated he is not seeking leadership personally but wants to ensure a stable government aligned with his principles. On who should lead such a government, he deferred to the democratic election results, emphasizing acceptance of the largest party's leader if the coalition meets his outlined criteria.

Edelstein's departure marks a significant political shift after 23 years in Likud, reflecting deep divisions within the right-wing camp over military conscription, coalition policies, and the future direction of Israeli governance.