Joining legion of Likud castoffs, Edelstein may not yet be clear of Netanyahu’s pull

Yuli Edelstein announced on Friday his intention to leave the Likud party, signaling a search for a new political home. The formal declaration came Saturday night during an interview, echoing a similar announcement nearly five years ago when he challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Likud's leadership.

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In Israeli politics, it turns out, it’s easier to switch parties than to break old habits.

In the past, Edelstein argued that Netanyahu's inability to form stable governments necessitated a change in leadership. However, after realizing he would likely lose a leadership race, Edelstein withdrew his challenge and aligned himself with Netanyahu. This decision, however, preceded a significant shift in his political standing within the party.

Edelstein's position within Likud deteriorated, culminating in his placement at 17th on the party's Knesset slate. While Netanyahu initially appointed him chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, this role was later revoked. The removal is seen as a signal to ultra-Orthodox parties, indicating Netanyahu's commitment to their demands, particularly concerning a bill on military draft exemptions, which Edelstein had opposed.

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The removal of Edelstein, who had refused to accede to Haredi demands regarding a bill regulating military draft exemptions, was a signal to the ultra-Orthodox parties that Netanyahu was serious about doing good by them.

The departure of Edelstein, a prominent figure who once held significant influence, adds to a list of senior Likud members who have left or been sidelined under Netanyahu's leadership. Figures like Gideon Sa'ar, Ze'ev Elkin, and Tzachi Hanegbi have previously departed, with some eventually returning to the political fold in roles often described as subservient to Netanyahu's continued dominance.

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just as former minister Limor Livnat’s departure hadn’t bothered it back in 2014.