Edelstein announces he’ll challenge Netanyahu for Likud leadership

11 October 2021, 8:03 pm

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Outgoing health minister Yuli Edelstein at a ceremony to install his replacement, held at the Health Ministry in Jerusalem, on June 14, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

Likud MK Yuli Edelstein announces he’ll challenge Benjamin Netanyahu for the party leadership. It’s the first challenge to Netanyahu since the last round of elections.

Edelstein, a former Knesset speaker and No. 2 on the Likud list, makes the announcement in an interview with Channel 12.

Edelstein says he’s made the decision to seek the party leadership “because the current government is simply dangerous for Israel.”

Under Netanyahu, Likud is destined to remain in the opposition, he says.

Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a Conference of the ‘Besheva’ group in Jerusalem, on August 1, 2021. (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)

Edelstein says he knows Likud primaries are not scheduled to be held soon, but expresses hope the internal party vote will be called in the coming months.