Dan Illouz's Tweet Ends Knesset Return Hopes After Lieberman's Shift
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Former Knesset member Dan Illouz's public criticism of potential government coalitions with ultra-Orthodox parties has likely ended his chances of entering the Knesset via the Norwegian Law. Illouz, who left Likud over the conscription issue, stated that compromising on the draft law is an existential threat. This development follows Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman's recent announcement of a willingness to compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties on the conscription law, a significant departure from his previous stance.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dan Illouz's criticism of ultra-Orthodox coalition talks likely ends his Knesset entry hopes.
- Illouz stated that compromising on the conscription law is an existential necessity.
- Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman signaled a willingness to compromise on the draft law.
- Lieberman's shift breaks his long-standing refusal to sit with ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Illouz had previously left Likud over the conscription exemption law.
Former Knesset member Dan Illouz, who left the Likud party over the push for a conscription exemption law, is unlikely to enter the current Knesset. Illouz, who was listed at number 10 on the Yisrael Beiteinu slate, criticized on social media the possibility of the "Change Bloc" forming a government with ultra-Orthodox parties. He stated on X that "it is impossible to give up on the conscription law," calling it an existential necessity due to the heavy burden on reservists and the economy, and the significant security challenges. Illouz emphasized that this was a core promise made to voters and the reason he switched from Likud to Yisrael Beiteinu. He recalled his past efforts against a similar exemption law and vowed to fight against it again, even as a civilian if necessary. Illouz expressed his preference for a "Zionist unity government" focused on policy, not blocs, that would win wars, draft ultra-Orthodox men, and implement economic reforms.
Following Illouz's critical tweet, Yisrael Beiteinu is not expected to utilize the Norwegian Law to bring him into the Knesset. This comes after Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman confirmed reports that he intends to compromise with the ultra-Orthodox parties on enacting a conscription law, a significant election promise. Lieberman posted that "it is permissible and desirable to be flexible and compromise" and that "you cannot grasp too much." This marks a shift from his long-standing refusal to sit in a government with ultra-Orthodox parties, a commitment he reiterated before the recent elections. The move is being considered due to the election results and the difficulty in forming a government without additional partners, leading to discussions about a joint government between the "Change Bloc" and the ultra-Orthodox parties.
