Yuli Edelstein

Members of Israel's Right in talks to form new party as alternative to Likud

The initiative, informally described as “Likud B,” is being advanced by right-wing figures, many of whom have had strained relations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their vote during the elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, November 25, 2025
MK Boaz Bismuth seen with haredi MKs and Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer in the Knesset, Jerusalem, January 14, 2026.

Haredi parties accuse Knesset foreign affairs committee legal adviser of stalling draft bill

Protests against haredi draft in Jerusalem, October 30, 2025.

‘Reaching the finish line’: Controversial haredi draft bill advances for Knesset committee vote

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet seen at the Knesset plenum, June 11, 2025

Outcome of state budget vote uncertain amid coalition crisis over haredi draft


Likud MKs jostle for Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairmanship

With at least six MKs aiming for the position of FADC chairman, including Yuli Edelstein, who's aiming to keep the position, the vote pitted MKs in the party against each other.

 Benjamin Netanyahu and Yuli Edelstein seen at the Knesset on November 4, 2021

Why Likud booting Edelstein will come back to bite it? - analysis

While Edelstein has given no indication of his next political move and has remained loyal to the Likud, it is not inconceivable that he seeks a new political home.

 Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on February 12, 2023.

New haredi draft proposal by reservist NGOs gains traction on Knesset, still no clear framework

According to the proposal, all haredi men will receive draft summons and be required to serve in the IDF, although the outline does not explain why it would be limited to men.

 Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, central Israel, April 28, 2025

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's attacks on Edelstein ignore his sacrifices for Judaism - opinion

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef seems to ignore who Yuli Edelstein really is: someone who physically risked his life for the observance of Torah and mitzvot.

 Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef during a shaharit prayer in the northern Israeli city of Tzfat, September 17, 2024.

Netanyahu's Likud to remove Edelstein from key committee over haredi draft fallout

A replacement for Edelstein on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee may be willing to make concessions that Edelstein was not willing to make, thus allowing the bill to proceed.

 Benjamin Netanyahu and Yuli Edelstein seen at the Knesset on November 4, 2021

Yuli Edelstein stands on principle for crafting conscription law for haredi population - editorial

Yosef’s words reveal the ugly truth behind the ultra-Orthodox parties’ opposition to military service: Is it actually about Torah study or religious obligation?

 Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee MK Yuli Edelstein speaks at the Muni Expo 2025 conference in Tel Aviv, on July 15, 2025.

With the haredi parties out of gov't, future of haredi draft bill unclear - analysis

The bill likely hinges on whether or not Edelstein remains head of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

 Haredi men are seen protesting the effort to draft ultra-Orthodox Israelis into the IDF.

Haredi exit from gov't pushes Netanyahu forward in election polls, survey finds

In this scenario, neither bloc has enough seats to form a government. The current coalition holds 53 seats, while the opposition, plus Bennett, totals 57.

United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni seen in the Knesset plenum, in Jerusalem, January 8, 2024

'My conscience is clear': Why MK Yuli Edelstein won't settle for a soft haredi draft - interview

"This law ends the phenomenon of pretending to study Torah. To me, that’s a disgrace to the world of Torah," Edelstein told Maariv.

 Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee MK Yuli Edelstein speaks at the Muni Expo 2025 conference in Tel Aviv, on July 15, 2025.

Shas spiritual leaders order party members to quit government

Shas's leaders directed MKs not to topple the government, though their decision shrinks Netanyahu's coalition to 29 MKs.

 Head of Shas party Arye Deri, June 8, 2025.