Yuli Edelstein Removed from Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee; Tali Gottlieb Appointed As Replacement

Background of the Change

In a significant political shift, Member of Knesset (MK) Tali Gottlieb has been appointed to replace Yuli Edelstein on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This change comes in response to Edelstein’s support for a vote concerning the application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, which contradicted official party lines set by Likud.

Reaction from Political Leaders

Ofer Katz, the Coalition Chairman, announced Gottlieb’s new position after the decision to remove Edelstein as part of sanctions from the Likud party. Shortly after this announcement, Naftali Bennett expressed his concerns regarding the change, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and professionalism within the committee. Bennett stated that the subcommittee of Foreign Affairs and Defense is crucial for Israel’s national security oversight, allowing MKs access to sensitive information that is typically kept from the broader cabinet.

He highlighted a long-standing tradition of keeping discussions untainted by political maneuvering, stating, “This is a sanctuary of seriousness for the benefit of Israel’s security.”

Support for Yuli Edelstein

Earlier in the day, the Yisrael Beiteinu party extended support to Yuli Edelstein. Following his removal from the committee due to his vote which favored sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, the party chair, MK Oded Forer, declared that Yisrael Beiteinu would grant Edelstein full legislative privileges. Forer criticized the government’s punitive measures against MKs advocating for Zionist values and equality, asserting, “We will not allow political retribution to silence brave vostarts in the Knesset.”

This move underscores the ongoing tensions within Israeli politics regarding the issue of sovereignty and the broader implications it carries for national policy and party unity.