MK Dan Illouz Resigns From Knesset, Urges Netanyahu to Step Down

MK Dan Illouz, who recently left Likud to join Yisrael Beiteinu, announced his resignation from the Knesset on Tuesday and returned his mandate to the Likud party. Illouz stated that he remained in the Knesset until now to prevent a Haredi MK from entering in his place, which he claimed would have supported exemption laws from military service. He emphasized his commitment to Yisrael Beiteinu's principles, including universal conscription, combating draft evasion, promoting a free economy, lowering living costs, establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, advancing a "live and let live" policy on religion and state, judicial reform through a constitution, and decisively confronting Israel's enemies.

Illouz explained that the timing of his resignation was deliberate to block the entry of a Haredi MK from Likud who would have supported exemption legislation. He criticized the Likud party for failing to uphold its declared values, stating he acted to oppose legislation contradicting these principles. In a sharp rebuke of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Illouz said, "Netanyahu failed and did not take responsibility. He must go home."

Addressing right-wing voters, Illouz called on Zionist and liberal right-wing supporters to join Yisrael Beiteinu, asserting that their place is no longer in Likud, which he said has lost its way. His resignation marks a significant political shift amid ongoing debates over military conscription and coalition policies in Israel.