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Yuli Edelstein attacks Likud over draft legislation, plans new Zionist right-wing framework

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • Former Likud minister Yuli Edelstein criticized the ruling party's legislation that would exempt many ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
  • Edelstein stated that hundreds of thousands of reservists feel betrayed and that the legislation exacts a political price.
  • He also announced plans to form a new Zionist right-wing political framework for the next election, focusing on broad agreement.

Former Likud minister Yuli Edelstein has sharply criticized the ruling party's proposed legislation that would exempt many ultra-Orthodox men from mandatory military service. In an interview with 103FM, Edelstein expressed strong disapproval, stating that the move feels like a betrayal to reservists.

Hundreds of thousands of reservists who see what is happening feel as though they have been slapped in the face. It cannot be that this exacts no political price. What, is everyone blind?

— Yuli EdelsteinCriticizing the government's draft legislation.

"Hundreds of thousands of reservists who see what is happening feel as though they have been slapped in the face," Edelstein said. "It cannot be that this exacts no political price. What, is everyone blind?" He also condemned Likud members for attacking the IDF chief of staff after he voiced opposition to the draft law, calling their claims a "political act and utter nonsense."

This is a political act and utter nonsense. They attacked the chief of staff and claimed, in a complete lie, that he had never bothered to send IDF representatives to the discussions and is now coming out with criticism.

— Yuli EdelsteinCondemning Likud members' attacks on the IDF chief of staff.

Edelstein suggested that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top priority might be maintaining his alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties. He emphasized the IDF's urgent need for soldiers, citing statements from the chief of staff and the Manpower Directorate. Looking ahead, Edelstein announced his intention to run in the next election under a "new framework that reflects my views, a Zionist Right," which will address the draft law and judicial reform based on broad agreement. He expressed hope for a broad Zionist government, not one representing only a fraction of the Israeli public.

Apparently so, but I am not a political commentator. The IDF has an immediate need for soldiers. The chief of staff said so, officials in the IDF Manpower Directorate said so, and everyone who understands the situation regarding regular and reserve service has said so.

— Yuli EdelsteinResponding to a question about Netanyahu's priorities and the IDF's needs.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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