Edelstein Formally Rules Out Likud Primary Run

Ynet posted at 20:43 IDT and Kikar at 21:22 that Yuli Edelstein formally wrote on X that he will not run in the next Likud primary and will leave the movement at the end of the current Knesset session after more than 20 years. He tied the decision to the post-October 7 need for real Haredi enlistment, saying he fought to block a draft-evasion law and wants a broad, responsible right-wing path that does not rely on Arab parties or give Haredi parties a blank check. Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Israel National News and Haaretz confirm the same turn. The split sharpens the election fight over IDF manpower, Torah-study respect and coalition discipline.