MK Dan Illouz Quits Likud and Will Not Run in Upcoming Primaries

MK Dan Illouz officially announced his departure from the Likud party in a video released on Wednesday, declaring he will not participate in the party's upcoming primaries. Illouz sharply criticized the coalition's conduct, accusing Likud of being hijacked by interest groups and adopting agendas that stray from the original right-wing and liberal values of Menachem Begin and Ze'ev Jabotinsky. His resignation follows that of MK Yuli Edelstein last week but was anticipated due to Illouz's recent outspoken opposition to key party policies.

Illouz condemned the party's handling of the October 7 attack aftermath, stating that Prime Minister Netanyahu should have ended his term after this tenure. He accused Likud of avoiding responsibility by removing the term "massacre" from legislation and blocking the establishment of an investigative committee. Illouz emphasized that Jewish identity means taking responsibility.

A major point of contention for Illouz was the exemption from military service law, which he called a disgrace and a turning point for his decision to leave. He criticized Likud's ongoing concessions to ultra-Orthodox parties, accusing them of institutionalizing draft evasion despite the army's warnings of collapse and the sacrifices of reservists. Illouz stated there is no difference today between voting for Likud, Shas, or Goldberg, reflecting frustration among the national-religious public over the political alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties during a prolonged military campaign.

Illouz also addressed economic issues, blaming Likud for failing to curb the high cost of living and accusing it of being controlled by interest groups that exacerbate the problem. He urged Likud members to recognize the growing disconnect between the party leadership and grassroots supporters.

Concluding his video, Illouz reaffirmed his commitment to the state, recalling his personal sacrifice of leaving a promising career abroad to immigrate to Israel and serve in the IDF. He pledged to continue working for the country with integrity and determination from wherever he may be. His departure adds to internal turmoil within Likud amid ongoing debates over primary election reforms led by Netanyahu and follows other recent resignations, including Edelstein and Sharren Haskel from New Hope.