National Security Committee Chair Zvika Fogel Departs Otzma Yehudit Party

Zvika Fogel, the current chairman of the Knesset's National Security Committee, announced on Wednesday that he will not be running for the 26th Knesset with the Otzma Yehudit party. This decision comes after reports circulated regarding the reasons for his departure, prompting Fogel to clarify his stance.

Fogel stated that his decision was not due to demands for a ministerial position. He explained that during discussions about forming the party's list, the party leader, Itamar Ben-Gvir, informed him that he intended to build a list with a different character. Ben-Gvir indicated that Fogel's approach, which he described as "state-oriented," did not align with his vision for the upcoming list's composition.

"I respect Itamar's right to choose the people he wishes to continue with, and I am completely at peace with the way I have acted as a Member of Knesset, as Chairman of the National Security Committee, and as Chairman of the Otzma Yehudit faction," Fogel concluded. He expressed pride in the achievements of the past four years and wished his colleagues in Otzma Yehudit and the coalition success in the upcoming elections.

Otzma Yehudit submitted its Knesset list on Monday. Notable additions include MK Tali Gottlieb, who moved from the Likud party after being placed in the 20th spot, and Hananel Drori, Ben-Gvir's chief of staff and confidant, who was placed in the 7th position on the list.