Karin Elharrar Departs Yesh Atid Party Ahead of Elections

Former Minister Karin Elharrar announced on Thursday that she will not be running for the next Knesset on the Yesh Atid party list, marking another significant departure from the party. Elharrar, who has been with Yesh Atid since its founding and held senior political positions, sent a letter to party members and activists detailing her decision.

In her letter, Elharrar expressed gratitude to party leader Yair Lapid for bringing her into politics 14 years ago, calling him a true leader who prioritizes the country's welfare. She reflected on her time in the party, serving in both coalition and opposition, chairing Knesset committees, and as Minister of Energy, highlighting her work on legislation for at-risk youth and women's rights. She also praised her colleagues for their commitment to national change.

Elharrar stated that after consulting with her family and considering her achievements, she has decided to move on to a new challenge and will not seek a Knesset seat with Yesh Atid. However, she affirmed her continued commitment to the party, calling it her political home, and pledged to participate in the upcoming election campaign.

Elharrar's departure follows a wave of exits from Yesh Atid. Earlier this week, former Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy announced he would not run on the party's list. Prior to that, former Minister Meir Cohen made a similar announcement. These departures come after MK Elazar Stern left the party to join Gadi Eisenkot's faction, reportedly after realizing he would not secure a place on the next Knesset slate.