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Edelstein's removal as chair of Knesset committee pushed by Likud

Pressure mounts in Likud to replace MK Yuli Edelstein amid tensions over draft law.

July 20, 2025 at 01:49 PM

Edelstein's post at risk as Netanyahu pushes controversial Haredi draft bill through

Tension increases within Likud as party calls for MK Edelstein's replacement amid draft law controversy.

Edelstein faces removal as Netanyahu advances draft bill

Pressure is mounting in Israel's ruling Likud party to remove MK Yuli Edelstein from his position as chair of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee. This follows the ultra-Orthodox parties' departure from the coalition over a controversial military draft law that aims to expand exemptions for yeshiva students. Senior Likud officials blame Edelstein for not supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's agenda and want to replace him with someone who can more effectively champion the legislation. At the same time, the ultra-Orthodox parties are divided on how to proceed, with some backing Edelstein and others advocating for amendments to the bill. United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf issued a strong warning against the enforcement of the new draft law, stating that attempts to implement it could lead to unrest, suggesting a volatile political atmosphere as resignations have left multiple key ministries without permanent leaders.

Key Takeaways

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Yuli Edelstein's position is under threat as pressures mount within Likud.

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Divisions among ultra-Orthodox parties create uncertainty on the draft law's fate.

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Netanyahu's leadership faces scrutiny amid ongoing internal conflicts.

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Enforcement of draft law could lead to significant unrest according to Goldknopf.

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Key ministries remain without leaders due to ongoing ministerial resignations.

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Political tensions may prompt early elections if the coalition cannot stabilize.

"This is a decree that no one will be able to carry out or implement."

Goldknopf's warning reflects the challenges in enforcing the draft law.

"Only tangible legislative progress will bring the party back into the government."

Shas emphasizes the need for real results over personnel changes.

"The state will not rest, and we cannot harm Torah students."

Goldknopf implies that attempts to enforce the draft will lead to unrest.

The current situation highlights deepening divisions within Israel's ruling coalition. The internal strife not only reflects the challenges of governance but also raises concerns over the implications of enforcing a contentious draft law. Removing Edelstein may temporarily appease dissenting voices, yet without substantial legislative progress, the ultra-Orthodox factions may remain unyielding. This predicament complicates the coalition's stability and raises questions about potential early elections. Netanyahu's leadership is now tested as he navigates mounting pressures on multiple fronts.

Highlights

Political stability hangs by a thread as tensions rise in Likud.
Goldknopf warns of unrest if the draft law is enforced.
Edelstein's leadership is questioned amidst growing political chaos.
The coalition fights internal battles while key ministries remain empty.

Political instability looms over Likud and ultra-Orthodox parties

The clash over the military draft law raises significant political tensions, with potential unrest if the law is enforced. The situation is further complicated by ministerial resignations, leaving the government with critical positions unfilled and escalating calls for leadership changes. This could lead to backlash from the ultra-Orthodox community, raising the stakes for Netanyahu and the coalition.

The coalition's ability to navigate these tensions will define its future stability.

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Knesset Netanyahu Israeli politics military draft ultra-Orthodox politics Israel

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