Former Minister Meir Cohen Steps Down From Knesset Race, Takes New Party Role

Former Minister Meir Cohen announced on Monday his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Knesset elections, opting instead to assume the roles of Chairman and President of the Yesh Atid party's convention. Cohen, who has been a prominent figure in Israeli politics for over two decades, cited the lack of a realistic position on the joint electoral list with members of Naftali Bennett's faction as the reason for his departure from the electoral race, according to polls.

Cohen expressed his willingness to make way for the next generation of party leaders. "After 25 years in education, as a teacher and school principal, and 23 years in politics, two terms as mayor, twice as Minister of Welfare, I am happily and proudly making way for the party's next generation and for the people who will lead it into the future," he stated. He affirmed his continued belief in the party's values and its potential to lead Israel.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who co-founded Yesh Atid with Cohen, described the move not as a farewell but as a transition. "Meir is my older brother. He has always been and will always be the closest person to me in Yesh Atid, and he will continue to be one of the main pillars and central figures in the party," Lapid said. He added that he had asked Cohen to run in a high position but that Cohen wished to give opportunities to younger Knesset members, highlighting Cohen's rare character and political acumen.