According to a message circulating in the Likud WhatsApp group, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz sent a farewell message to MK Dan Illouz on Wednesday evening, following Illouz's defection to Yisrael Beiteinu. The message reflects ongoing internal tensions within the Likud over the defection.
Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz sent a personal farewell message to MK Dan Illouz in the Likud faction's WhatsApp group on Wednesday evening, according to a message circulating in the group. The personal message comes after the group removed Illouz and sent the parting message 'Goodbye, populist' following Illouz's defection to Yisrael Beiteinu earlier that evening.
The Zioneer reported at 20:52 Jerusalem that initial political sources said Katz expelled Illouz from the faction meeting and praised him. Shortly after, Ynet reported that Katz removed Illouz from the group and wrote 'Goodbye, populist,' a detail later confirmed by N12's Amit Segal, who reported that the group sent the message. The defection itself was reported by The Zioneer at 20:31 Jerusalem, with Illouz later appearing alongside Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman at 20:28 Jerusalem.
Earlier tensions between Katz and Illouz were reported by The Zioneer on July 7, when the coalition chairman reprimanded Illouz during a coalition meeting. The Zioneer's background on Ofir Katz notes his role as coalition chairman and chairman of the Knesset Committee.
The exact wording of Katz's personal farewell message has not been independently confirmed, nor is it clear whether the message was sent before or after the group removal.
4 developments
- DevelopingAmit Segal reports: MK Dan Illouz joins Yisrael Beiteinu, gets realistic spot on slate
- DevelopingIllouz, alongside Lieberman, says Likud now a subcontractor for Haredi leaders, urges vote for Yisrael Beiteinu
- StrongGadi Yevarkan leaves Likud to form new party 'Beit Yisrael'
- StrongCoalition chairman reprimands MK Dan Ilouz
Source and signal
- Open-source intake