Dan Illouz Joins Yisrael Beiteinu, Faces Sharp Criticism from Likud Leadership

Dan Illouz, a Knesset member who recently left the Likud party, officially joined Yisrael Beiteinu and declared his support for Avigdor Lieberman as prime minister. Following this move, Likud coalition chairman Ofir Katz removed Illouz from the Likud faction WhatsApp group and criticized him harshly, calling him a populist who forgot who brought him into the Knesset and stating that he was never truly part of Likud.

Illouz accused Likud of becoming an executor for Aryeh Deri and Yitzhak Goldknopf and criticized Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, saying Netanyahu failed to lead the country and should take responsibility by stepping down. Illouz urged voters seeking a genuine right-wing option to support Yisrael Beiteinu.

Avigdor Lieberman welcomed Illouz's decision, praising his courage, integrity, and willingness to pay a personal price for his principles. Lieberman described Illouz's joining as a significant boost to the Zionist, national, and liberal camp.

This development highlights internal tensions within the right-wing political spectrum in Israel ahead of upcoming elections, with Illouz's defection signaling a shift in alliances and criticism of Netanyahu's leadership style.