Pressure Mounts in Likud to Replace Chairman of Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
Potential Leadership Challenge
The pressure within the Likud party to replace the current Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Yuli Edelstein, is intensifying. MK Hanoch Milivitzky, currently serving as Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, is expected to run against Edelstein for the committee chairmanship. This shift comes amid significant pressure from party ministers on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to enact changes following the departure of the ultra-Orthodox parties over disagreements related to proposed amendments to the conscription exemption law.
Upcoming Vote and Party Dynamics
If Milivitzky officially enters the race, a vote within the Likud party will be required to select a candidate before the committee can be changed. Recent statements from senior Likud ministers suggest a united front advocating for Edelstein’s replacement due to his alleged failure to uphold agreements with ultra-Orthodox leaders.
Comments from Party Officials
Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar emphasized the urgency of passing the conscription law and warned that if Edelstein did not act swiftly, the party would have no chostart but to find a new committee leader. He indicated that time is of the essence, with only two days left in the current legislative session.
In contrast, MK Moshe Saada defended Edelstein, labeling the conscription law as a significant and important matter. He stated that Edelstein’s current leadership should not be in question and advocated for diplomatic negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox community.
Widespread Discontent with Edelstein
Over the past week, remarks from various high-ranking Likud ministers have suggested a collective belief that Edelstein is operating with “foreign motives.” They assert that Netanyahu should intervene and facilitate the election of a new lawmaker capable of advancing the conscription measure in alignment with coalition preferences.
Recent developments suggest Netanyahu’s inner circle is beginning to consider potential candidates to replace Edelstein, evaluating who among them can withstand pressure and effectively navigate the complex political landscape surrounding the conscription bill.
Challenges from Ultra-Orthodox Parties
The ultra-Orthodox parties, who recently withdrew from the government, have accused Edelstein of altering agreements critical to their support. They have highlighted his demand for several contentious modifications to the conscription exemption law, viewing these changes as an undue escalation that led to their departure from the coalition.
The demands outlined by Edelstein reportedly include detailed stipulations for the enlistment and assignment of ultra-Orthodox conscripts, as well as mechanisms for enforcing compliance with recruitment targets-all of which have sparked significant backlash.
Edelstein’s Position
In response to criticism, Edelstein has asserted his commitment to maintaining the government’s stability and has urged ultra-Orthodox lawmakers to prioritize collaboration rather than fracturing the coalition. He has framed the proposed law not just as a legislative requirement but as a necessary step toward national responsibility in the face of external security challenges.
Milivitzky’s Perspective
Milivitzky has compared the issue of ultra-Orthodox enlistment to the sensitivity surrounding the release of hostages, suggesting that calls for immediate compliance with recruitment demands are unrealistic and politically driven. He advocates for a gradual approach to address the complex nature of conscription among ultra-Orthodox communities, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation over confrontation.
As the Likud party navigates these internal tensions, the outcome of any potential leadership change remains uncertain, with implications for both party unity and the future handling of recruitment legislation in Israel