MK Dan Illouz expected to announce he is leaving Likud - report

Member of Knesset Dan Illouz is reportedly poised to announce his departure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling Likud Party, according to N12 News. This potential move follows a similar announcement by MK Yuli Edelstein on July 3, who stated his intention to leave Likud and establish a new political party.

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That is a very difficult sentence to say.

Both Illouz and Edelstein have voiced significant criticism regarding contentious legislation being advanced by haredi parties within the current coalition government. Their opposition centers on issues such as the Basic Law: Torah Study bill, which would grant state benefits to haredi draft dodgers, and a proposed change to the daycare subsidy system.

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There are also those friends who at this moment are hearing what I am saying in surprise and saying, ‘What is Yuli doing?! We supported him for decades, we would have supported him this time too, why is he doing this?’

In June, Illouz expressed strong concerns to The Jerusalem Post, labeling the haredi parties as "a danger to the future of the state of Israel." He argued that the coalition should sever ties with them, emphasizing the potential negative impact on national security if the army lacks sufficient soldiers. Illouz also pointed to the economic consequences of haredi draft evasion as further evidence of the harm caused by their presence in the coalition.

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can be a danger to the future of the state of Israel

Illouz stated his belief that his own ideology, described as right-wing, free market, and hawkish, should lead the country. However, he expressed doubt that the current coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties effectively advances this ideology. The reports of Illouz's impending departure signal further potential shifts within the Israeli political landscape.

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If the army doesn’t have enough soldiers, then that’s a danger to our ability to protect the state of Israel.