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

After more than two decades in the Likud party, veteran Knesset member Yuli Edelstein announced his departure in an exclusive interview on July 4, 2026, with the program "Meet the Press." Edelstein declared he will not run in the Likud primaries and is embarking on a new political path. He emphasized his commitment to right-wing values and rejected affiliation with the so-called Change Bloc, instead advocating for the formation of a "broad Zionist government."

Edelstein criticized the Basic Law on Torah Study, calling it a law designed to perpetuate draft evasion and undermine the Israel Defense Forces' needs during wartime. He expressed frustration with the current government's reliance on ultra-Orthodox parties, which he views as non-Zionist, and said he consistently voted against related legislation. He also questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach, suggesting that under different circumstances Netanyahu might have admitted Edelstein was right about the draft exemption law.

Regarding his future political framework, Edelstein indicated he seeks to unite right-wing and centrist figures such as Gilad Erdan, Ayelet Shaked, Naftali Bennett, and Gadi Eisenkot into a coalition that excludes non-Zionist factions. He declined to specifically endorse any existing bloc or party but stressed the importance of a responsible right-wing agenda that includes military conscription, judicial reform, and security for northern and southern Israel.

Edelstein stated that the leader of this broad Zionist government should be decided democratically by voters in the upcoming elections. He expressed willingness to take any position on the list, even a lower one, as long as the coalition is united and committed to his outlined principles. He also dismissed the relevance of the Change Bloc for his political future and expressed hope to influence the post-election government formation to ensure a stable right-wing majority.

This announcement marks a significant political shift for Edelstein, who served as Knesset Speaker and has been a prominent figure in Likud since 2003. His departure highlights ongoing tensions within the right-wing camp over coalition policies and the role of ultra-Orthodox parties in government.

Summary: Veteran Likud MK Yuli Edelstein announced his exit from the party after 23 years, rejecting the Change Bloc and pledging to promote a broad Zionist government. He criticized the Basic Law on Torah Study as perpetuating draft evasion and expressed doubts about Netanyahu's coalition strategy. Edelstein seeks to unite right-wing and centrist factions into a responsible government and will not run in Likud primaries, signaling a new political direction.