Yuli Edelstein Criticizes Likud Over Draft Law, Calls for Broad Zionist Government

Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, announced on 103FM his intention to enter a new political path reflecting his right-wing Zionist views. He emphasized his commitment to addressing the military draft law and judicial reform through broad consensus and leadership. Edelstein advocated forming a wide Zionist government, rejecting a narrow coalition of just 61 seats, and indicated ongoing political talks with figures including Gilad Erdan and Ayelet Shaked.

Regarding the recent Knesset approval of a law freezing arrests of draft dodgers, which he opposed, Edelstein accused critics of the IDF Chief of Staff of lying about military involvement in discussions. He warned that hundreds of thousands of reservists feel insulted by the law, which he believes will effectively exempt all ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers from arrest by labeling them as yeshiva students. He stressed the law ignores the IDF’s urgent need for soldiers, citing military leadership’s statements about shortages and the failure to shorten mandatory service.

Edelstein also addressed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s role, suggesting Netanyahu understands the political damage caused by the law but is influenced by ultra-Orthodox parties, which Edelstein believes hold disproportionate sway. He criticized the Knesset’s conduct during the law’s passage, including opposition protests against Netanyahu, while distancing himself from the Likud party due to disagreements over the draft law vote. Edelstein concluded that the law undermines the IDF and the principle of equal burden sharing in Israeli society.