In a stunning internal upset, MK Boaz Bismuth defeats Yuli Edelstein to become Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee — reportedly rejecting a diplomatic post offered to sideline his bid.
Jerusalem, — In a dramatic intra-party shakeup, MK Boaz Bismuth (Likud) was officially elected Chairman of the powerful Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Wednesday, defeating incumbent MK Yuli Edelstein by a landslide vote of 29 to 4.
The vote marks a significant political victory for Bismuth, a former journalist and ambassador, now rapidly rising as a key voice in Likud’s foreign and security policy circles.
🎯 High-Stakes Offer Reportedly Declined
According to Channel 12 News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently offered Bismuth an ambassadorial post in a major European nation in a bid to convince him to withdraw from the race. Bismuth, however, reportedly refused the offer, signaling his firm intent to influence Israel’s security agenda from within the Knesset.
⚖️ Legal Battle Averted
A minor procedural dispute was swiftly resolved Tuesday evening when Likud’s legal advisor, Attorney Avi Halevy, issued an official opinion clarifying that the vote did not require a secret ballot—despite a formal request submitted by more than ten Knesset members. The clarification cleared the path for Wednesday’s vote.
🗣️ Implications and Power Shift
Bismuth’s ascent could signal a shift in Likud’s internal power dynamics, especially in relation to the Prime Minister’s ability to influence top parliamentary appointments. Edelstein, once a powerful figure and a Netanyahu rival in past leadership bids, suffered a significant blow with the defeat.
