Likud's Yuli Edelstein leaves party after two decades, reportedly will start new right-wing party

Member of Knesset Yuli Edelstein announced on Friday that he is leaving the Likud party, a move that marks the end of his two-decade affiliation with the party. Edelstein described the decision as "very difficult" during a press conference, acknowledging the surprise it might cause to long-time supporters.

Edelstein is expected to embark on a new political path, reportedly aiming to form a new right-wing party. Figures such as Gilad Erdan and Ayelet Shaked are mentioned as potential collaborators in this new venture. Other names being considered for the party include attorney Shvut Raanan and Davidi Ben Zion, deputy head of the Samaria Regional Council. The official launch of this new party is anticipated to occur after Tisha B'Av, in approximately three weeks.

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That is a very difficult sentence to say.

The rift between Edelstein and Likud appears to have widened recently, primarily over the haredi enlistment bill. As the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Edelstein opposed advancing the bill unless it included substantial enlistment targets and personal or institutional sanctions. This stance placed him in direct conflict with the haredi parties and the Prime Minister's Office.

Ultimately, this political crisis led to Edelstein's removal as committee chairman after a majority of the Likud faction voted to replace him. His departure is considered one of the most significant exits by a senior Likud figure in recent years and signals an effort to create a new political platform for right-wing figures who feel their future is no longer aligned with the current direction of Likud.

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There are also those friends who at this moment are hearing what I am saying in surprise and saying, ‘What is Yuli doing?! We supported him for decades, we would have supported him this time too, why is he doing this?!’