Yuli Edelstein Leaves Likud, Citing Opposition to Draft Evasion Law and Plans for New Political Path

Knesset member Yuli Edelstein announced on Saturday night his decision not to run in the upcoming Likud primaries and to leave the party at the end of the current Knesset session. Edelstein, who has been a member of Likud for over 20 years, revealed his plans to embark on a new political path aimed at forming a broad government. He emphasized that his approach will avoid reliance on Arab parties or granting unchecked support to ultra-Orthodox factions.

Edelstein explained that after the events of October, he realized the political landscape had changed and that he had fought vigorously for equal and genuine military conscription. He claimed success in preventing what he called a "draft evasion law for generations," which he described as a historic achievement to expand the IDF recruitment base.

He also addressed the political costs he endured, stating he was removed from chairing the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee because he blocked the draft evasion legislation and was ousted from committee membership for voting in favor of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Edelstein expressed pride in these stands and recalled his past as a Zionist prisoner in the Soviet Union, where he learned to fight for values despite personal cost. He noted that during his opposition to the evacuation of Gush Katif, he was labeled a traitor but remained unfazed.

Concluding his statement, Edelstein clarified that while he is leaving the Likud faction, he is not abandoning its supporters, many of whom share his views. He pledged to soon launch a new political framework representing the 80% of Israelis who agree on core issues, with clear principles of true right-wing, national responsibility, support for settlement, strong security, free economy, judicial reform, and strengthening Jewish identity.