Former Likud MK Dan Illouz Calls for Netanyahu's Replacement After October 7 Attack

Dan Illouz, a former Likud member of the Knesset who recently joined Yisrael Beiteinu, stated that there were enough people within Likud to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the October 7 massacre. Illouz argued that a healthy democracy requires incentives, saying, "If you are good, you continue; if you are prime minister during the worst disaster since the Holocaust for the Jewish people, you should be replaced." He emphasized that failing to change leadership after such a catastrophic event indicates a deep problem in the political system.

Illouz criticized Netanyahu's primary goal as merely surviving the current term, suggesting the prime minister was willing to sacrifice everything to achieve this. This perspective led Illouz to leave Likud, feeling that a leadership change was necessary. He praised his cooperation with Yisrael Beiteinu during his tenure, highlighting joint efforts on legislation such as closing UNRWA and decisions on sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Concluding, Illouz reaffirmed his belief that after Israel's greatest tragedy since the Holocaust, the leadership must take responsibility and change. He expressed willingness to be part of any future efforts to bring about this leadership transition.