Gantz, Eisenkot, and Bennett Erupt as Likud Ousts Edelstein in Coalition Meltdown Over Draft Law.

Israel's political arena plunged deeper into chaos this week as the ruling Likud party initiated proceedings to purge Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein—a move that has ignited fury across the opposition and triggered alarm within the defense establishment.

With the country still embroiled in war on multiple fronts and IDF soldiers risking their lives daily, critics are slamming the Netanyahu-led government for what they see as blatant betrayal of Israel’s security priorities—all in a desperate effort to appease ultra-Orthodox partners over the controversial draft exemption law.

Yuli Edelstein is what real leadership looks like: integrity, courage, and putting interests of ALL Israelis above political deals that favor those who demand privilege without responsibility. pic.twitter.com/JMozAkHpwX

— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) July 21, 2025

"A Knife in the Back of the Soldiers" – Gantz Blasts Likud

National Unity leader Benny Gantz, a former IDF Chief of Staff and war cabinet member, condemned the Likud faction’s decision in no uncertain terms:

“The only good thing about this open vote,” Gantz tweeted, “is that the entire nation will now see exactlywhich Likud MKs are willing to sacrifice IDF soldiers and the security of Israel in order to protect political interests and yeshiva exemptions.”

Gantz’s comments came after Likud’s legal adviser ruled that the vote to remove Edelstein must be held publicly—lifting the veil of secrecy and exposing the party’s internal fractures for all to see.

A Calculated Coup: Edelstein Out, Political Loyalty In

The ouster of Yuli Edelstein, a seasoned legislator and longtime ally of Netanyahu, was orchestrated by Ofir Katz, chairman of the Likud parliamentary group. Katz invoked Article 138(b) of the party’s constitution to formally remove Edelstein and schedule a replacement vote for next Wednesday. Nomination submissions are due by Tuesday night.

The race is expected to pit Likud MKs Boaz Bismuth and Hanoch Milwidsky against one another, though critics argue the real contest is between political independence and blind obedience to Netanyahu's will.

1. The vote was meant to be on secret ballots- Edelstein said this would allow for those who don't want to openly defy Bibi to vote honestly.

Avi Halevi, Likud legal advisor, said “the accepted rule… is to hold open votes” and exception “is inconsistent with the law...”

— Lazar Berman (@Lazar_Berman) July 23, 2025

Coalition Collapse: Haredi Exodus Sparks Panic in Likud

This move comes just days after the Netanyahu government was rocked by a historic rupture when the three ultra-Orthodox factions—Degel HaTorah, Agudat Israel, and Shas—abandoned the coalition. Their dramatic departure was triggered by the government's failure to pass legislation preserving draft exemptions for yeshiva students.

The fallout has been swift and severe, with the coalition teetering on the edge of collapse and Netanyahu appearing increasingly isolated—even within his own party.

After Likud MK Yuli Edelstein refused to cave to Haredi demands for a draft exemption bill, his fellow MKs are moving to oust him from his powerful position of Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman.

Tomorrow, Likud is set to vote on his replacement, with multiple MKs… pic.twitter.com/zhgWd3QqKn

— Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) July 22, 2025

Bennett: “There Is No More Zionism in Likud”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett did not mince words. In a blistering statement, he declared:

“Likud is stabbing the soldiers in the back. This isn’t the right-wing anymore. It’s not Zionist. It’s not even responsible governance. The only rule left is: betray the soldiers, appease the Haredim, and silence dissent. Shameful government—go home!”

Eisenkot: "The Greatest Failure in Israeli History"

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, National Unity MK and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot delivered a damning indictment of Netanyahu’s leadership:

“This is cynicism at its most dangerous. Irresponsibility on a historic scale. This government is the greatest failure the State of Israel has ever seen.”

Eisenkot implored Likud MKs and coalition members to break what he called their “silence of the lambs,” and demanded a return to civic responsibility:

“While our fighters are risking their lives on every front, this government is trading their futures for political survival. It’s time to stop the madness.”

Analysis: A Government at War with Its Own Army

The Edelstein affair has become the latest flashpoint in a broader struggle between national security priorities and political survival. With Israel’s military stretched thin across multiple battlefronts—from Gaza to the north—analysts are warning that Netanyahu’s decision to prioritize ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions over stable governance is not just reckless—it’s dangerous.

As opposition leaders call for resignations and coalition cracks widen, Israel faces a sobering reality: in the fight between politics and principle, the soldiers are once again caught in the crossfire.

Key Takeaways:

• Yuli Edelstein ousted as Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee chair amid Likud infighting.

• Benny Gantz: Likud MKs are “lending a hand to harming those who serve.”

• Naftali Bennett: “There is no more Zionism in Likud.”

• Gadi Eisenkot: Netanyahu's government is the "greatest failure in Israeli history."

• Ultra-Orthodox parties quit the coalition over draft law failures, triggering political crisis.