Yuli Edelstein Reflects on Ouster, Criticizes Likud and Tali Gottlieb

Yuli Edelstein revisited the pivotal day when he was removed as chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee during an interview on 103FM on August 20, 2026. In the interview, he sharply criticized members of the Likud party, singling out Knesset member Tali Gottlieb. Edelstein declared, "I was right," referring to his past positions and decisions.

He also announced that he will not run in the upcoming Likud primaries. Expressing frustration with the opposition bloc, known as the Change Bloc, Edelstein accused its parties of continuously rejecting other parties, effectively blocking any path toward a unity government. He said, "The parties of the Change Bloc dream of forming a narrow government dependent on the extreme factions, mirroring what we have seen in recent years. We are the only ones talking about a broad Zionist government to accomplish all these goals."

Edelstein's comments highlight ongoing tensions within Israeli politics, particularly regarding coalition formation and the future direction of the government. His refusal to participate in the Likud primaries signals a potential shift in his political involvement moving forward.