Yuli Edelstein

Middle Israel: Why Netanyahu's political formula no longer works - opinion

Edelstein and Eisenkot are representatives of two populations that were wheels of the social wagon Netanyahu rode to Israel’s helm: the so-called Moroccans and Russians. 

LT.-GEN. (RET.) GADI EISENKOT lost a son and two nephews to Israel’s wars, making him a potent symbol of what the IDF-serving population has endured while ultra-Orthodox leaders attempt to ‘etch non-service in constitutional stone,’ the author contends.
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.

Culture Minister Zohar releases video skewering the film industry

MK Yuli Edelstein speaks during a conference at the Reichman University in Herzliya, on January 13, 2026.

Political rivals Lapid, Edelstein, surprisingly align on national priorities - analysis

MK Yuli Edelstein attends a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, December 9, 2025.

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


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.

As Israel grieves, Netanyahu puts coalition deals ahead of national sacrifice - editorial

The IDF does not belong to one segment of society. The physical defense of the state cannot rest on the shoulders of some while others stand apart and watch.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen in the plenum of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 14, 2025

Netanyahu offers to fire Edelstein for haredi parties staying in coalition

Edelstein called on haredi politicians to exhibit “national responsibility” and refrain from toppling the government over their insistence to exempt at least half of eligible haredim from IDF draft.

Shas head Arye Deri is seen in the plenum of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 14, 2025

Edelstein to haredim: Now is not time to topple government

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair Yuli Edelstein called on haredi politicians to exhibit “national responsibility.”

 Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on May 8, 2025.

With backs to the wall on IDF draft, Haredi MKs slam Edelstein, A-G

Edelstein has yet to present the text of a new law proposal based on agreements reached with haredi representatives on June 12, the eve of Israel’s attack against Iran.

 Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on March 10, 2025.

Haredi parties ramp up pressure after Edelstein IDF draft bill delayed

The boycott marked an uptick in the haredi parties’ pressure campaign, as they had previously refrained from boycotting the plenum on Monday.

 Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on May 8, 2025.