Hardline Likud defector joins Liberman’s party ahead of elections

Knesset member Dan Iluz has joined Avigdor Liberman’s Israel Beiteinu party just three weeks after quitting the Likud, positioning himself as a critic of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition agreements with ultra-Orthodox parties. Iluz, who has positioned himself as a nationalist-liberal politician, announced his move ahead of upcoming elections, stating that Israel Beiteinu represents “the nationalist and liberal values in which I believe.”

The defection comes after Iluz voted against legislation included in a recent agreement between the Prime Minister and Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) leaders Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni. The move represents a significant rebuke of Netanyahu’s political direction, with Iluz arguing that “the Likud has become a contractor for Deri and Gafni,” suggesting the party has compromised its principles to maintain coalition support from religious parties.

The timing of Iluz’s departure highlights growing tensions within the Likud over Netanyahu’s alliance with Haredi parties, particularly regarding legislation affecting military service exemptions and religious law. His switch to Liberman’s secular, nationalist party signals a potential realignment among right-wing voters dissatisfied with what they view as excessive influence from religious coalition partners.

The move has reportedly prompted reactions within Likud WhatsApp groups, reflecting internal frustration with the defection. Iluz’s departure adds another complication to Netanyahu’s coalition arithmetic as the party faces electoral pressure from multiple directions, particularly from critics arguing that the government has become too beholden to its Haredi partners.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.