Tzvi Fogel Explains Resignation from Knesset

Tzvi Fogel, chairman of the National Security Committee, clarified on Wednesday the reasons behind his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Knesset elections, three days after announcing his resignation. Fogel stated that various reports about his departure from the Otzma Yehudit party prompted him to address the public directly.

"Dozens of thousands of inquiries were received from the public, and they deserve to know the truth," Fogel said. He emphasized that his decision was not due to demands for a ministerial position. Instead, he explained that during discussions about forming the party list, the party leader, Itamar Ben-Gvir, informed him that he intended to build a list with a different character.

Fogel added that Ben-Gvir indicated that Fogel's "state-oriented approach" did not align with his vision for the composition of the next list. "I respect Itamar's right to choose the people with whom he wishes to continue," Fogel concluded. He expressed satisfaction with his own conduct as a Knesset member, chairman of the National Security Committee, and chairman of the Otzma Yehudit faction.

Fogel concluded by expressing pride in the achievements of the past four years and wished his colleagues in Otzma Yehudit, the coalition, and the public success in the elections and a blessed year.