Likud lawmaker Dan Illouz has called for an end to the longstanding political alliance between his party and the ultra-Orthodox (haredi) factions, warning that continuing the partnership could pose risks to Israel’s security and economy. In an interview, Illouz characterized the current demands and legislative initiatives pushed by the haredi parties as potentially harmful to the state’s future.
Illouz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud Party, has emerged as a vocal critic of proposed legislation backed by the haredi parties. Among the controversial measures is a bill that seeks to incorporate Torah study into Israel’s Basic Law, effectively institutionalizing the exemption of yeshiva students from mandatory military service while allowing them to continue receiving state benefits. Another contentious bill concerns daycare subsidies, proposing eligibility criteria based solely on the mother’s income. Critics argue that this would extend subsidies to families of draft-evading individuals amid the Israel Defense Forces’ acute manpower shortage.
Both bills recently passed preliminary readings in the Knesset. However, progress on other legislation has been slowed due to haredi parties’ threats to suspend coalition support until these proposals advance. It remains uncertain whether the bills will progress, as opposition lawmakers and some coalition members, including Illouz, have pledged not to support them.
Illouz emphasized that the coalition’s continued partnership with the haredi parties undermines Israel’s security by contributing to the IDF’s recruitment challenges. “If the army doesn’t have enough soldiers, then that’s a danger to our ability to protect the state of Israel,” he said. He also highlighted the economic consequences, noting that the growing haredi population’s draft evasion hampers the country’s ability to sustain a robust economy.
Calling for a reevaluation of coalition alliances, Illouz suggested pursuing partnerships that better align with the ideology he represents—right-wing, free market, and hawkish policies. He downplayed warnings from haredi factions that they might themselves end the partnership, stating that the ruling party should take the initiative to sever ties.
Illouz framed his opposition to the legislation within the context of Israel’s post-October 7 security environment, where military demands have increased. He contended that it is untenable for a Zionist party to support a system enabling a significant segment of the population to evade service while receiving state benefits. “We cannot condone or advance the continuation of the current situation where a whole sector of the population does not serve and keeps getting benefits from the state,” Illouz said, calling for benefits to be directed primarily to those serving in the military.
As a religious Jew, Illouz also criticized the Basic Law: Torah Study bill, arguing that it distorts the Jewish religious obligation to take responsibility for one’s community and defend one’s country. “Judaism and Torah are a call for taking responsibility,” he stated, “not a call for sitting down and not doing anything.”
When asked about any response from Netanyahu regarding his dissenting votes, Illouz said he had not received a direct reply but noted support among Likud voters. “Likudnikim are people who serve in the army. They send their kids to serve in the army. They themselves do reserve duty,” he remarked, expressing pride in representing those values within the party.
Illouz indicated that other Knesset members had not reacted harshly to his stance, acknowledging differing opinions within the coalition but emphasizing that a frank debate on the coalition’s composition is legitimate.
Regarding potential changes to the Likud’s primary election system, which is set no later than July 28, Illouz said he was aware of Netanyahu’s desire to increase his influence over candidate selection. However, he expressed skepticism about reports suggesting the primaries might be canceled, considering such a move detrimental to the party.
As Israel approaches new elections, Illouz’s comments highlight growing tensions within the ruling coalition over the role of the haredi parties and the challenges posed by their political demands.