MK Dan Illouz Quits Likud Citing Disagreement Over Ultra-Orthodox Draft Exemptions

MK Dan Illouz announced his resignation from the Likud party on Wednesday after serving one term in the Knesset. He declared he would not run in the upcoming Likud primaries, stating he could no longer support a party he himself could not vote for. Illouz criticized the party's handling of responsibility following the October 7 massacre, saying it was clear then that Netanyahu should step down after this term. He accused Likud of avoiding accountability by removing the term "massacre" from legislation and blocking the establishment of a state inquiry committee.

Illouz strongly opposed the ultra-Orthodox draft exemption law, calling the saga a disgrace that confirmed his place was no longer in Likud. He condemned the party for repeatedly yielding to ultra-Orthodox factions and promoting arrangements that institutionalize draft evasion, equating voting for Likud to voting for Shas or Goldknopf. On economic issues, he blamed Likud for the rising cost of living, accusing it of being controlled by interest groups and failing to alleviate the burden on citizens.

Reflecting on his future, Illouz said he would continue serving the country with integrity and determination from wherever he is. Elected in 2022, he was known as an independent and critical voice within Likud, opposing several coalition-backed bills. His resignation follows MK Yuli Edelstein's recent announcement that he will also not seek reelection with Likud, intensifying turmoil within the party ahead of elections.

Illouz had recently voted against key legislation related to the ultra-Orthodox community, including the Basic Law on Torah Study and the exemption from arrests for draft evaders, despite personal appeals from Prime Minister Netanyahu. He also criticized the party's decision-making process and called for the resumption of Likud faction meetings, which had not convened for months. Illouz described the promoted laws as a severe betrayal of the public they were elected to represent.