Veteran MK Meir Cohen to Leave Knesset, Head Party Conference

Member of Knesset and former minister Meir Cohen announced Monday that he will not run in the upcoming Knesset elections on the "Yesh Atid" list. Cohen, who has been a member of the party since its inception, stated that after 25 years in education and 23 years in politics, including two terms as mayor and two stints as Minister of Welfare, he is happily making way for the next generation of the party.

Cohen expressed his continued belief in Yesh Atid's values and its position as the best team in Israeli politics, pledging to continue working for the party and its leader, Yair Lapid, to lead the country. He will take on the role of chairman and president of the Yesh Atid conference.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid described Cohen's departure from the Knesset as "not a farewell," calling him his "older brother" and the closest person to him within Yesh Atid. Lapid stated that Cohen will remain a central figure and pillar of the party, despite his decision to step down from the Knesset to allow younger members an opportunity. Lapid praised Cohen as a rare individual and politician.