Yuli Edelstein Leaves Likud, Rejects Center-Left Bloc, Plans Independent Right-Wing Path

After 23 years in the Likud party and a turbulent term marked by the contentious military draft law, former Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein announced on Friday that he is leaving Likud to pursue a new political path. Speaking on Channel 12's "Meet the Press," Edelstein ruled out joining the center-left Change Bloc and indicated he would not run in the upcoming Likud primaries. He described his next step as likely forming an independent political framework.

Edelstein cited his inability to continue representing the current Likud policies as the main reason for his departure. He criticized the party's stance on the draft law, expressing frustration with the ongoing exemptions and the failure to advance sovereignty measures. "For me, the State of Israel always came before the party," he said.

He sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the draft issue, noting that despite Netanyahu's military background and awareness of public opinion, which largely opposes the draft exemptions, the government continues to support deals with ultra-Orthodox factions. Edelstein said Netanyahu privately acknowledged that Edelstein was right about the draft law.

Regarding his political future, Edelstein declined to commit to alliances with figures like Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman but emphasized his right-wing ideology. He dismissed the Change Bloc as irrelevant to him despite personal friendships there. Edelstein aims to create a responsible right-wing force that supports draft reform, judicial reform, and security for both northern and southern Israel.

He envisions this new political entity as a potential kingmaker that would demand a broad Zionist government not reliant on non-Zionist ultra-Orthodox parties. Edelstein expressed willingness to take a lower position on any future list, focusing instead on advancing his agenda.

Following the interview, Edelstein tweeted that he would not run in the Likud primaries and would leave the party after the current Knesset session. He reflected on his long fight for equal military service and sovereignty, noting he was removed from key Knesset committees due to his positions. He reaffirmed his commitment to right-wing, national, and responsible values, including support for settlement, strong security, free economy, judicial reform, and strengthening Jewish identity.

Edelstein concluded by stating he leaves the Likud faction but not its members, many of whom share his views, and promised a new political path without boycotts, extremism, reliance on Arab parties, or unconditional support for ultra-Orthodox factions.