Karin Elharrar Departs Yesh Atid, Leaving Lapid as Sole Founding Member

Former Minister Karin Elharrar announced on Thursday that she will not run for the Knesset on the Yesh Atid party list in the upcoming elections. Elharrar, who joined the party's founding group 14 years ago, stated that her decision comes amid a severe shortage of available spots on the list and follows a wave of departures from the party's veteran members.

In a message to party members, Elharrar expressed gratitude to party chairman Yair Lapid for opening the door to politics for her, calling him a true leader. She reflected on her tenure, highlighting her involvement in establishing the party, serving in coalition and opposition, chairing Knesset committees, and acting as Energy Minister. Elharrar also noted her legislative work on behalf of at-risk children and women's rights. She concluded by stating her intention to pursue new challenges but affirmed her continued commitment to Yesh Atid, promising to participate in the upcoming campaign.

Elharrar's departure is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from Yesh Atid. Recent departures include former ministers Meir Cohen and MKs Yoav Segalovitz, Elazar Stern, and former Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy. Several other MKs, including Ron Katz, Idan Roll, Boaz Toporovsky, Debi Biton, Yaron Levy, and Tatiana Mazarsky, have also announced their departures or decision not to run.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has framed these departures as a necessary step to allow the "next generation" of the party to lead. He is reportedly working to refresh the party's roster, with retired Major General Noam Tibon joining Yesh Atid and Neta Attias, the party's faction manager, being considered for a prominent position on the list.