Former Likud minister Yuli Edelstein issued his criticism of Israel’s ruling party over legislation that would exempt many ultra-Orthodox men from military service in an interview with 103FM on Wednesday.
“Hundreds of thousands of reservists who see what is happening feel as though they have been slapped in the face. It cannot be that this exacts no political price. What, is everyone blind?” he said.
Edelstein also criticized Likud members who attacked the IDF chief of staff after he voiced opposition to the legislation.
'This is a political act and utter nonsense'
“They attacked the chief of staff and claimed, in a complete lie, that he had never bothered to send IDF representatives to the discussions and is now coming out with criticism. This is a political act and utter nonsense,” Edelstein added. “These things apparently seem more correct to them, perhaps to some because of extremists who support them in the primaries.”
Asked whether maintaining his political alliance with the ultra-Orthodox parties was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top priority, Edelstein said that appeared to be the case.
“Apparently so, but I am not a political commentator,” he replied. “The IDF has an immediate need for soldiers. The chief of staff said so, officials in the IDF Manpower Directorate said so, and everyone who understands the situation regarding regular and reserve service has said so. The proof is that mandatory service, which was supposed to be shortened, was not shortened because there is a shortage of soldiers.”
Edelstein was then asked under which political framework he plans to run in the next election.
“Under a new framework that reflects my views, a Zionist Right,” he said. “It will address the draft law and judicial reform based on broad agreement.”
He said he hopes to join a broad Zionist government rather than a narrow coalition representing only part of the Israeli public.
“A government representing half the people, after everything we are seeing in the Knesset, is not good for the Jewish people,” the former minister said.
'I am not ruling out any party'
Asked whether Netanyahu, as the leader of a Zionist party, could head such a government, Edelstein did not rule out the possibility.
“I am not ruling out any party, and whoever receives the greatest support within a broad government will be able to serve as prime minister.”
Edelstein emphasized, however, that the new political framework would not simply supply the votes needed to form a narrow, 61-seat coalition in the 120-member Knesset.
“Anyone who dreams that we, as a party, are going to provide the 61 votes needed for a narrow government simply does not understand why we are making these moves.”
He added that he was already in contact with several veteran and prospective political figures.
“I am in contact with several people, both veterans and newcomers,” he added. “Gilad Erdan and Ayelet Shaked as well.”