In a significant shakeup within Israel’s ruling Likud Party, Knesset Member Dan Illouz announced Wednesday that he is leaving the party after serving a single term in the Knesset, citing deep disagreements over its direction and its handling of the military draft exemption issue.

“I cannot ask the public to vote for a party that I myself can no longer vote for,” Illouz said in a statement released Wednesday evening.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, Illouz argued that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu should have made way for new leadership at the conclusion of his current term.

“The truth is that immediately after October 7, it was clear to everyone that Netanyahu should end his tenure after this term. Instead of standing before the public and asking for forgiveness, Likud is doing everything it can to evade responsibility. We are removing the word ‘massacre’ from legislation and preventing the establishment of a commission of inquiry. A Jewish identity means, first and foremost, taking responsibility.”

Illouz said the recent legislation concerning military service exemptions for yeshivah students was the decisive factor behind his decision to leave the party.

“The saga of the draft exemption is a disgrace that made it clear to me that my place is no longer in Likud.”

He sharply criticized the party’s approach, accusing it of capitulating to its Chareidi coalition partners.

“At a time when the IDF is warning that it is collapsing under the burden, and my fellow reservists are sacrificing their families and their experience of fatherhood, Likud chose ongoing surrender to the Chareidi parties and advanced political maneuvers to institutionalize draft evasion. Today, there is no difference between voting for Likud, Shas, or Goldknopf.”

Illouz concluded by pledging to continue serving the country despite his departure from the party.

“I will continue to work for the State of Israel from wherever I am, with integrity and determination.”

In recent months, Illouz had emerged as one of the most outspoken critics within Likud, particularly regarding efforts to formalize the status of yeshivah students. Over the past two days, he voted against both the Basic Law: Torah Study and the law freezing the arrest of draft evaders.

Commenting on those measures, Illouz argued that they represented “a severe blow, not to mention a spit in the face of the public we were elected to represent.”

{Matzav.com}