MK Dan Illouz (Likud) stated that he will not provide Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the 61st seat needed to form a coalition, under any circumstances. The statement comes amid ongoing coalition negotiations.
MK Dan Illouz stated at 22:55 Jerusalem that he will not under any circumstances provide Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the 61st seat needed for a coalition majority. The statement, delivered by Illouz himself, comes hours after reports emerged that he had left the Likud party, complicating Netanyahu's coalition-building efforts.
Earlier this evening, at 20:39 Jerusalem, N12's Amit Segal reported that Illouz was leaving Likud and would not run in the primaries. Minutes later, Israel Hayom reported that the situation was still fluid and Illouz was considering his options. A third report from N12 at the same time confirmed his decision to leave. The Zioneer tracked the evolving reports, from initial unconfirmed claims to corroboration by a second source and reaffirmation by the original outlet.
As The Zioneer has reported, Likud has faced internal tensions over the candidate list, and the coalition negotiations have been fraught with uncertainty. Illouz's latest statement, while not directly referencing his party status, adds a personal veto to the coalition math, as Netanyahu needs exactly 61 seats.
It remains unclear whether Illouz has formally left Likud or if he intends to remain in the Knesset as an independent. His statement does not address his future political affiliation, and the combined impact of his departure and his refusal to provide the 61st seat creates a significant barrier for Netanyahu.
3 developments
- StrongNetanyahu demands 11 ministerial portfolios in top 40 Knesset slots
- StrongLapid rules out a Netanyahu-led government, says he will not join the Likud leader
- DevelopingNetanyahu threatens to quit Likud unless granted 10 reserved Knesset slots
- ConfirmedNetanyahu demands roughly 10 slots on Likud list for next Knesset, warns current lineup 'will not bring government'
Source and signal
- Internal intake