MK Michal Waldiger Departs Israeli Politics After Five Years

Member of Knesset Michal Waldiger announced on Wednesday her departure from the national political arena after more than five years serving in the Knesset. In a personal post, Waldiger stated she would not serve in the next Knesset but emphasized that this marks the end of a chapter, not her public service.

Waldiger revealed that she considered running in the upcoming internal elections for the Religious Zionist Party but ultimately decided against it. She expressed a strong desire to continue her work in the Knesset, believing her past achievements, including legislation, budget allocations, reforms, and advocacy for citizens and families, would have secured her a high position on the party list.

However, Waldiger did not secure a high enough spot on the list following the party's internal selections and its alliance with the Otzma Yehudit party. Despite not being placed in a viable position, she asked party chairman Bezalel Smotrich to place her at the end of the list, affirming her commitment to the Religious Zionist movement and its values.

Waldiger highlighted her focus on mental health, welfare, family, and social resilience during her tenure. She concluded that systemic changes are insufficient without also shifting political priorities. Waldiger observed a significant gap between the importance of social and humanitarian issues to the religious-national public and their actual placement in political agendas, despite the community's strong volunteerism and charitable work.

Concluding her statement, Waldiger reiterated her commitment to her causes, stating, "My platform is changing, but my mission is not." She thanked the public, her family, colleagues, and staff for their support throughout her time in the Knesset, adopting the motto "Finished, but not complete."