Edelstein slams Likud on haredi draft law, eyes new Zionist right

Former Likud minister Yuli Edelstein criticized his party on Wednesday regarding proposed legislation that would exempt many ultra-Orthodox men from military service. Speaking on 103FM, Edelstein stated, "Hundreds of thousands of reservists who see what is happening feel as though they have been slapped in the face." He also condemned Likud members who attacked the IDF chief of staff for opposing the bill, calling it "a political act and utter nonsense." Edelstein indicated that Prime Minister Netanyahu's priority appears to be maintaining his alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties, despite the IDF's immediate need for soldiers. He announced plans to run in the next election under a new "Zionist Right" framework, aiming for a broad Zionist government rather than a narrow coalition. Edelstein confirmed he is in contact with other political figures, including Gilad Erdan and Ayelet Shaked, and emphasized his new framework would not support a narrow 61-seat government.