Two More Knesset Members Depart Yesh Atid Party Ahead of Elections

Members of Knesset Debi Biton and Tatiana Mazarsky announced Tuesday they will not run on the Yesh Atid party list in the upcoming Knesset elections, joining a growing number of lawmakers from the party who will not continue with it after the vote. Both stated they are not leaving Yesh Atid and will remain party members.

Biton, a lawyer and resident of Sderot, informed party chairman Yair Lapid on Thursday of her decision. She expressed satisfaction with her four-year parliamentary term, emphasizing her continued commitment to Yesh Atid's path. Biton, who entered the Knesset from the 21st spot on the party's list, has headed the Sderot branch of Yesh Atid since 2013 and previously represented at-risk youth and minors.

Mazarsky also announced her decision after speaking with Lapid, stating, "I am staying in Yesh Atid. This is my political home." She expressed support for Lapid's continued leadership. Mazarsky, who has served in the Knesset since 2021, focused on health, the periphery, and immigration. Before entering politics, she managed medical centers in Karmiel and served as deputy mayor of the city, overseeing education, youth, and women's advancement portfolios.

Their departures follow similar announcements from former Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy, who will serve as the party's tribunal head, and Meir Cohen, a former minister of social welfare who will become president of the Yesh Atid conference. Other prominent figures have left the party entirely, including Yoav Segalovitz, who joined Ra'am, and Elazar Stern, who joined the "Yisrael Hazak" party. Boaz Toporovsky, a party founder, announced his retirement from politics in June, while Ron Katz resigned from the Knesset in July and Yaron Levi announced in May he would not seek re-election.

These changes come amid the party's efforts to finalize its list, which has been impacted by a joint run with Naftali Bennett's party, reducing available spots for Yesh Atid candidates. Several lawmakers, including Miki Zohar, Miki Zohar, Naor Shiri, Ram Ben Barak, Vladimir Beliak, and Yasmin Sax Friedman, are expected to secure realistic positions on the list.