Michael Oren leaves Kulanu party, may join Likud

Michael Oren announced his intention to leave the Kulanu Party, on Sunday.

By World Israel News Staff

Michael Oren announced his intention to leave the Kulanu (or “All of Us”) Party on Sunday morning, Israel Hayom reports. It is possible he will join the Likud Party.

“In 2015 I was called upon to serve the State of Israel in the Knesset. Through four full years as a member of Knesset and after as deputy minister, I worked tirelessly to strengthen Israel’s relations with the world,” Oren said.

Oren stressed his work fighting the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement and his efforts to improve Israel’s image in the world in his announcement. “I do not abandon the diplomatic mission. I will continue to fight against anti-Israel boycott organizations and groups and represent Israel around the world,” Oren said.

According to the report, Yoav Galant, minister of construction and housing, is also expected to soon announce his intentions to leave Kulanu for the Likud. Another Kulanu member, Elie Elalouf, will also depart. Elalouf will not participate in the next Knesset, Israel Hayom says.

A former Likud minister Moshe Kahlon founded Kulanu in 2014. The party focuses on socio-economic problems, such as cost-of-living issues, affordable housing, and reducing income gaps. Kahlon is reportedly building a new list of members for his party and will continue to focus on socio-economic issues.

The Kulanu party thanked Oren in a statement for “his dedicated service over the past four years to the standing of the State of Israel in the world and wishes him well on his continued path,” The Jerusalem Post reports.