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 in the Knesset. In a personal post, she stated she would not serve in the next Knesset but emphasized this marks the end of a chapter, not her public service.

Waldiger revealed she had considered running in the upcoming internal elections for the Religious Zionism party but ultimately decided against it. She expressed a strong desire to continue serving in the Knesset, believing her past work on legislation, budgets, reforms, and advocacy for citizens and families would secure a high position on the party list. However, after the candidate placements and the party's alliance with the Otzma Yehudit faction, she realized she would not be elected to the next Knesset.

Despite not securing a high enough spot, Waldiger asked party chairman Bezalel Smotrich to place her at the end of the list, affirming her commitment to the Religious Zionism party and its members. She indicated her future public service would be in a different capacity, stating, "My platform is changing, but the mission is not."

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

Waldiger concluded her farewell post by reiterating her commitment to her causes, stating her mission continues despite leaving the Knesset, adopting the motto "Finished, but not complete." She thanked the public, her family, colleagues, and staff for their support during her tenure.