Yuli Edelstein
Outgoing Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein has a lot to say about the events of the past few months. Having recently become the first Knesset Speaker in history to resign, he says he’s learned to stand up for his principles, even if it comes at a price.
Is Israel’s judiciary overstepping its authority? Or is the legislature undermining the judiciary?
“Democracy is slowly dying,” warns former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked • Likud MK Miki Zohar: “It seems the time has come when the public must decide between its elected officials and the legal junta.”
Yuli Edelstein told JNS that “the Knesset bylaws are clear that following an election, the vote for speaker does not have to be done until a new government is formed.”
He says the court’s decision to force the Knesset to vote on a new speaker constitutes “gross and audacious interference” that does ”unprecedented harm” to the sovereignty of the nation and Knesset.
If a vote for the Knesset speaker is held on Wednesday, Edelstein, who belongs to Netanyahu’s Likud Party, would likely lose the speakership to Blue and White’s Meir Cohen.
Knesset reopens amid tight restrictions after Chief Justice Esther Hayut overturns Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein’s controversial decision to shutter it due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Israeli premier says Likud and rival Blue and White have agreed on the contours of a unity deal, but if Blue and White moves to oust Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, deal’s off • Gantz: “Those who want unity do not work with ultimatums.”
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein “fell into the trap laid by the left,” say sources close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu • Blue and White leader Benny Gantz: “Netanyahu requested a debate on immunity—Netanyahu will get a debate.”
The Sephardic chief rabbi’s characterization of immigrants from the former Soviet Union as Communists, hostile to religion and haters of religion is “outrageous,” says Israel’s prime minister.
“The public does not want to go to elections, and the Knesset’s job is to represent the public,” said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
Gideon Sa’ar finishes third, despite the reported campaign against him • Israel Katz first on the party ticket, followed by Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein • Controversial MK Oren Hazan booted by voters; former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat finishes sixth.
