Likud Moves to Oust Edelstein

Likud prepared Monday for a critical Wednesday meeting to elect a new head for the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

The effort to replace current chairman MK Yuli Edelstein is being driven by Likud ministers concerned that his handling of the Charedi enlistment bill could destabilize the government, as Charedi parties resigned from the coalition last week.

Discontent within Likud over Edelstein’s leadership has escalated. “Edelstein never genuinely intended to pass the law,” Minister Miki Zohar said, pointing out that the bill still hasn’t been officially submitted. Edelstein was reportedly offered the chance to stay on as chair if the legislation was moved to another committee, but he declined.

MK Ofir Katz, chairman of the Likud faction, confirmed that a vote to fill the position will take place on Wednesday. As of Tuesday, five contenders—including Edelstein, are vying for the role: MK Hanoch Milwidsky, MK Nissim Vaturi, MK Boaz Bismuth, and MK Eli Dallal.

To prevent a fractured outcome in the secret ballot, Prime Minister Netanyahu is said to be working to rally support around a single candidate, with party insiders suggesting he may endorse Bismuth.