Haredi Likud Member Shabtai Kates to Replace Dan Illouz in Knesset

Shabtai Kates, a Haredi member of the Likud party and chairman of the Religious Council in Lod, is set to enter the Knesset as a replacement for Dan Illouz, who announced his resignation following his move to the Yisrael Beiteinu party. In his first interview, Kates emphasized his intention to represent the Haredi community within Likud, stating, "Likud is a people's party, and the Haredi sector has a voice here. I can represent the religious community as well as any other representative." He called for unity in the Knesset, criticizing the current assembly for deepening societal divisions, especially over the judicial reform controversy.

Kates, affiliated with the Chabad Hasidic movement, explained that his public outlook is influenced by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, focusing on unity and outreach to all Jews regardless of background. On the contentious issue of military conscription for yeshiva students, he took a clear stance: "Anyone who does not study Torah must enlist. Torah study is one leg, and protecting the people of Israel through the IDF is the other. Those who study Torah should remain in yeshiva." He also stressed the state's responsibility to ensure that Haredi soldiers maintain their religious lifestyle during service.

Regarding political developments, Kates praised Illouz's decision to resign from the Knesset after leaving Likud and urged former Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein to do the same if he establishes a new party. "The mandate belongs to Likud voters, not to the individual MK," Kates said. If Edelstein resigns, the next in line on the Likud list is Erez Tadmor.

Kates highlighted his experience leading the Religious Council in Lod, where he implemented significant improvements in religious services and cemetery management. He expressed confidence in his ability to unite people and intends to carry this approach into his new role in the Knesset.