Yuli Edelstein Criticizes Likud Colleagues and Tali Gottlieb After Primaries

Former Likud MK Yuli Edelstein sharply criticized his former party colleagues following the recent Likud primaries during an interview on 103FM on Thursday. He expressed disappointment with the primary results and the party's current list, saying it no longer resembles the Likud he remembers. Edelstein also condemned Likud MKs for lacking independence in Knesset votes, accusing them of voting according to faction secretaries' instructions rather than their own views. He recalled his removal as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and noted that despite his ousting, the controversial military draft law passed, proving his point.

Edelstein sarcastically responded to Tali Gottlieb's drop in the Likud list rankings, saying he "almost considered sitting shiva," a traditional mourning period, but was advised against it by a rabbi. He emphasized that being elected to the Knesset requires active contribution rather than merely occupying a seat. Regarding his new party formed with Gilad Erdan, Edelstein said the campaign only recently began and it is too early to assess its electoral strength.

He criticized the opposition bloc for continuing politics of disqualification and aiming to form a narrow government reliant on extreme factions. Edelstein claimed his party is the only one advocating for a broad Zionist government. While not personally ruling out Benjamin Netanyahu, he rejected joining a narrow government led by him. Edelstein reiterated his right-wing identity but stressed the need for governmental change, leaving the final decision to voters in the October 27 elections.

Summary: Yuli Edelstein criticized the Likud party and its members after the primaries, disparaging their lack of independence and the party list. He mocked Tali Gottlieb's lower ranking and highlighted his new party's recent campaign launch. Edelstein called for a broad Zionist government and distanced himself from narrow coalitions, including those led by Netanyahu.