Clash Erupts Between Likud MKs Over Party Loyalty and Conscription Law

An unusual confrontation took place on Tuesday between Likud Members of Knesset (MKs) Ofir Katz and Dan Illouz. Illouz criticized Katz for viewing political issues solely through the lens of coalition versus opposition, urging him instead to focus on Likud's core values. This comment was made amid Illouz's firm opposition to the conscription law, which he claims perpetuates draft evasion.

Katz responded sharply, accusing Illouz of consistently speaking against Likud and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not only on the conscription issue but also regarding the ultra-Orthodox community. Katz challenged Illouz's loyalty, suggesting that Illouz's legislative efforts for IDF soldiers require decades of party commitment and questioned Illouz's future political affiliations, implying his criticism is aimed at undermining Likud.

The exchange highlights internal tensions within Likud over policy and party allegiance, particularly concerning the controversial conscription legislation. The disagreement was captured on video by the Knesset Channel and has drawn attention to factional divides ahead of further legislative debates.