Dan Illouz Resigns from Knesset, Joins Yisrael Beiteinu Citing Disagreements with Likud

Member of Knesset Dan Illouz submitted his resignation letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana on Tuesday, officially stepping down from his position. According to the Likud party list, Shabtai Katesh, head of the Religious Council in Lod and the next ultra-Orthodox candidate on the Likud list, is expected to replace him in the Knesset. Illouz, known for wearing a kippah, summarized his political journey in Likud, emphasizing his deep Zionist commitment since immigrating to Israel nearly 20 years ago. He highlighted his active role in opposing legislation he disagreed with, particularly laws related to military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, which he fought against until his final days in the Knesset.

In his resignation letter, Illouz expressed pride in his struggles within the 25th Knesset, a period marked by national crises including hostages and casualties. He stated that despite immense pressure and personal cost, he stood firm on his principles. Illouz also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to uphold Likud's declared values and called for his resignation. He announced his recent move to the Yisrael Beiteinu party led by Avigdor Lieberman, reaffirming his commitment to the party's core principles such as universal conscription, free-market economics, combating the high cost of living, establishing a state inquiry into the October 7 massacre, religious pluralism, judicial reform, and decisively confronting Israel's enemies.

Illouz noted that his resignation timing was deliberate to prevent an ultra-Orthodox Knesset member from entering Likud and supporting legislation he opposed. During his tenure, Illouz was a prominent internal opposition voice within Likud, especially on the conscription issue, which led to sanctions against him including removal from Knesset committees and loss of private bill rights. His departure follows a period of internal tension due to his independent stances and sharp criticism of the coalition's policies. Illouz declared he could no longer support a party he could not vote for himself and pledged to continue serving Israel through his new political affiliation.