MK Dan Illouz Joins Yisrael Beiteinu, Criticizes Likud and Netanyahu

MK Dan Illouz has officially joined the Yisrael Beiteinu party led by Avigdor Lieberman and will be placed in a realistic spot on the party's Knesset list, according to political analyst Amit Segal. Illouz's move follows his departure from Likud after voting against the ultra-Orthodox draft exemption laws. Yisrael Beiteinu praised Illouz for leading the fight against the "draft evasion law" in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee during his Knesset tenure. The party noted that Illouz faced political repercussions for his stance, including removal from committees and restrictions on submitting bills. They also highlighted his efforts to promote a free market and combat the high cost of living.

Illouz explained his decision to join Yisrael Beiteinu by stating that it represents the national and liberal values he believes in. He emphasized his cooperation with Yisrael Beiteinu members in opposing the draft exemption laws. Illouz sharply criticized his former party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing Likud of becoming an executor for Aryeh Deri and Yitzhak Goldknopf and calling on Netanyahu to take responsibility and resign. He urged Likud voters seeking genuine right-wing representation to support Yisrael Beiteinu.

Expressing explicit support for Lieberman’s prime ministerial candidacy, Illouz described him as a strong, experienced leader who stands by his principles despite political costs. Yisrael Beiteinu framed itself as the home for those who believe in Zionism, national responsibility, and a Jewish, Zionist, and liberal state, invoking the legacies of Jabotinsky and Begin.

The party also detailed Illouz’s background: a lawyer by profession, immigrant from Canada, IDF veteran, former Jerusalem city council member, and previously elected to the Knesset with Likud. Illouz co-sponsored legislation to end UNRWA activities, ban foreign consulates in Jerusalem, and apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. Lieberman welcomed Illouz’s arrival, praising his courage, integrity, and willingness to pay a personal price for his principles, especially in opposing the draft exemption law and demanding equal national service.