Yuli Edelstein
Yuli-Yoel Edelstein is an Israeli politician who served as Minister of Health from 2020 to 2021 and served as chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee from 2022 until 2025. One of the most prominent refuseniks in the Soviet Union, he was the 16th Speaker of the Knesset from 2013 until his resignation on 25 March 2020. Edelstein, a member of Likud since 2003, announced in June 2026 that he was leaving the party and would not run in the upcoming primary.
Standing...
Stories...
Aug 6, 2026
Center
Edelstein joins Erdan as second on the new third-bloc list, leaving Likud's ranks once again.
A senior Likud defector proves Netanyahu's party is cannibalizing itself, but the two-man project also competes with Yesh Atid for the same center-right swing voters.
Jul 23, 2026
Far Right
Former Knesset speaker joining Erdan's new party as number two.
Similarly, his involvement in a new party could weaken the Likud and the broader right-wing camp.
Jul 7, 2026
Lean Left
Likud MK and former minister defending the coalition's judicial reform in media.
His arguments are dismissed by Labor/Meretz as disingenuous cover for power accumulation.
Jul 6, 2026
Center
Reportedly in discussions with Hendel about joining a new opposition bloc.
Yesh Atid is cautiously positive about Edelstein's potential role, seeing him as a pragmatic right-leaning voice who might break from Likud.
Jul 4, 2026
Far Right
MK Yuli Edelstein announced he is leaving Likud to forge a new path.
Religious Zionism views Edelstein's departure with concern, as it may splinter the right-wing bloc and weaken Netanyahu's coalition.
Jul 4, 2026
Center
Edelstein announced his departure from Likud, accusing Netanyahu of ruining the party, and launched a new political path.
Yesh Atid welcomes Edelstein's exit as a blow to Likud's unity and a step toward a more moderate right-wing alternative.
Jul 3, 2026
Far Right
Announced he is leaving Likud to forge a new political path.
Viewed with concern as a sign of fragmentation on the right, though his future alignment remains unclear.
Jul 3, 2026
Center
Announced his departure from Likud to form a new political party with Ayelet Shaked, citing the party's extremism.
Yesh Atid sees Edelstein's break as a positive splintering of the right, potentially opening a center-right path for alliances.