Ex-Yesh Atid MK Blames Party Leadership for Exodus

Former Yesh Atid lawmaker Anat Knafo has sharply criticized her former party's leadership, attributing the recent wave of high-profile departures to a lack of values, ideology, and space for independent thought. Knafo, who now heads the "Council of Wise Women," stated that when these elements are absent, people inevitably leave.

Her comments come amid an unprecedented exodus from Yair Lapid's party, particularly as it prepares to form its Knesset list. In recent weeks, numerous senior members and prominent figures have announced their departure or move to other political factions.

Notable departures include former minister Karin Elharrar, who left after 14 years, and founding members Meir Cohen and Mickey Levy, who decided not to run again. MKs Elazar Stern and Yoav Segalovich are moving to new political frameworks, with Stern joining the "Yashar!" party and Segalovich aligning with Ra'am. Other departing MKs include Tatiana Mazaraki, Debbie Biton, Boaz Toporovsky, Ron Katz, and Idan Roll.

Political analysts suggest the current wave of resignations stems from a combination of the party's weakening poll numbers and growing frustration among veteran lawmakers who feel sidelined by leadership-driven changes and reserved spots.