Dan Illouz Leaves Likud Over Haredi Coalition Influence

Knesset Member Dan Illouz is expected to announce his departure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party this week. Illouz will not run in the party's upcoming primary elections, marking a second high-profile exit from the ruling party following Yuli Edelstein's departure on July 3.

Illouz's decision stems from growing disagreements over the coalition's ties with haredi parties. He specifically opposed the Basic Law: Torah Study bill and changes to daycare subsidies, arguing that these measures eliminate economic incentives for haredi enlistment in the military. Illouz claimed that the influence of ultra-Orthodox parties could pose a danger to the future of the state.

In response to his opposition, the coalition sanctioned Illouz by removing him from both the Knesset's Economy Committee and the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. His departure underscores internal friction within Likud regarding the balance of power and legislative priorities shared with haredi coalition partners.