Shabtai Katsch Becomes Likud's First Ultra-Orthodox MK Replacing Dan Illouz

Shabtai Katsch, a 51-year-old Chabad Hasid and chair of Likud's ultra-Orthodox sector, is set to enter the Knesset as the first ultra-Orthodox member from the Likud party. He will replace Dan Illouz, who resigned from the Knesset earlier today and announced his move to the Israel Beiteinu party. Illouz criticized Likud for allegedly yielding to ultra-Orthodox demands upon his departure.

Katsch, a longtime respected figure within Likud, has served as a city council member in Lod and currently chairs the city's religious council. He also leads Likud's ultra-Orthodox headquarters and is active in internal party forums, including the Geurim Forum secretariat. In the 2022 primaries, Katsch secured the ultra-Orthodox slot on the Likud list, defeating Yaakov Wider, a Bnei Brak city council member.

Beyond politics, Katsch is a real estate entrepreneur and one of the founders of the Shaarei Ha’ir neighborhood in Lod, where he grew up and remains active. His religious education was in the "Tomchei Temimim" yeshivas in Lod and Kfar Chabad. His entry into the Knesset follows Illouz's resignation letter submitted to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana earlier today.