MK Dan Illouz Reveals Early War Attempt to Replace Netanyahu Without Elections

Israeli Member of Knesset Dan Illouz disclosed on Radio 103fm that at the start of the recent war, there was an effort to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through a no-confidence vote, bypassing elections. Illouz explained that the attempt failed not due to insufficient support but because of internal disputes over who should lead the replacement effort. He estimated that at least a third of the Likud faction believed a leadership change was necessary during the intense conflict.

Illouz stated that only a small minority of the public wanted the government to remain unchanged. He described Netanyahu's main political achievement in the last Knesset as simply surviving politically. Illouz maintained his position that the prime minister serving on October 7, the war's outbreak date, should be replaced, arguing that leadership must change after such a national disaster, the worst since the Holocaust. He warned that failing to replace leadership in such circumstances damages political incentives for good governance.

Illouz also accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival above all else during the current term, willing to "sell everything" to remain in power. Regarding his own political future, Illouz expressed pride in joining Yisrael Beiteinu after leaving Likud. He highlighted his cooperation with the party on key issues like the law to close UNRWA and the decision on sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Illouz praised Yisrael Beiteinu as the best team in the Knesset and said it should lead after the next elections.

He reiterated his belief that following Israel's greatest national tragedy since the Holocaust, the leadership must take responsibility and step down. Illouz said he remains ready to help bring about such a change if the opportunity arises.