Yesh Atid Faces Exodus as Key Lawmakers Depart Ahead of Elections

Member of Knesset (MK) Merav Ben Ari acknowledged on Tuesday that the recent wave of departures from the Yesh Atid party has made it the most difficult week of party leader Yair Lapid's life. Ben Ari stated on Galei Tzahal radio that refreshing the party's ranks and promoting new individuals is necessary, framing the departures as a positive step for the party.

She contrasted Yesh Atid's internal changes with other parties, noting that while some politicians feel betrayed by colleagues, political separations in Israel can be conducted respectfully. Ben Ari clarified that those leaving are not abandoning the party but rather stepping down from the Knesset, doing so in a "state-like" manner. The party is refreshing its list, and she highlighted the inclusion of figures like Noam Tibon, a hero from the October 7th events, and Ben Barak, as examples of new, refreshing additions, even if they are not young.

MK Tatiana Mazaraki announced her departure from the Yesh Atid faction earlier on Tuesday, deciding not to run on its list in the upcoming Knesset elections. This follows similar announcements from MK Debi Biton. Several senior and long-serving lawmakers, including Meir Cohen, Mickey Levy, Boaz Toporovsky, and Ron Katz, have also declared their departure from the party's Knesset list. Meir Cohen is set to transition to the role of chairman and president of the party's conference.