Dan Illouz has resigned from the Likud party, alleging that a third of the party’s faction attempted to organize against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the October 7 attacks.
Dan Illouz Resigns From Likud Over Party Direction
Member of Knesset (MK) Dan Illouz announced his departure from Likud, citing a fundamental shift in the party’s identity and leadership priorities. According to reports from Ynetnews and The Times of Israel, Illouz stated that Likud is no longer serving its core constituents because it has been “hijacked” by Haredi interests.
Internal Efforts to Oust Benjamin Netanyahu
In a series of revelations, Illouz claimed that the internal opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu is more widespread than publicly acknowledged. He stated that after the October 7 Hamas attacks, approximately one-third of the Likud faction organized efforts to remove Netanyahu from power, according to Ynetnews.
The Conflict Between Likud and Haredi Interests
The primary driver for Illouz’s resignation is the perceived submission of Likud to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties.
Comparing the Impact of the Resignation
| Aspect | Illouz’s Perspective | Likud Leadership Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Party Control | Claimed to be “hijacked” by Haredi interests. | Maintains a stable, broad-right coalition. |
| Netanyahu’s Status | Reports 33% of faction sought his removal post-Oct 7. | Continues to lead the party and government. |
| Party Identity | Views current path as a betrayal of core values. | Positions itself as the only viable path to right-wing governance. |
What This Means for the Coalition
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