Yuli Edelstein Officially Leaves Likud After Over 20 Years, Plans New Right-Wing Party

Knesset member Yuli Edelstein announced on Saturday night that he is officially leaving the Likud party after more than two decades. He declared on social media that he will not run in the upcoming Likud primaries and intends to embark on a new political path. Edelstein stated, "Soon we will set out together on a new path. Without boycotts, without yielding to extremists, without relying on Arabs, and without giving a blank check to the ultra-Orthodox." He emphasized the goal of forming a broad government reflecting the 80% of Israelis who agree on core issues.

Edelstein, known as one of the few coalition voices opposing the exemption from military service law, has been in intensive talks with former Minister Ayelet Shaked to establish a new right-wing party. According to reports, this new party aims to fill a political void for right-wing voters seeking a home that is not dependent on non-Zionist parties, whether Arab or ultra-Orthodox.

The new party is expected to be officially announced within about two weeks and is engaging with other notable figures, including former Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch, Samaria Regional Council deputy head David Ben-Zion, and bereaved father Hagai Luber. The declared objective is to renew Religious Zionism while also providing a home for traditional Zionists.