Former IDF General Elazar Stern Quits Yesh Atid and Knesset, Eyes Joining Gadi Eizenkot's Party

Elazar Stern, a retired IDF Major General and former head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, announced his departure from the Yesh Atid party and his intention to resign from the Knesset after 11 years of political activity. Stern, who served as a minister and Knesset member under Yair Lapid's leadership, expressed gratitude for the party as a political home that allowed him to advocate for a unifying Jewish and democratic Israel. He highlighted the respectful discourse within the party despite occasional disagreements and emphasized the personal bonds formed with fellow members.

In his resignation letter to Yair Lapid, Stern noted that even when it was clear he would not continue with Yesh Atid after the upcoming elections, their separation remained respectful, quoting Lapid: "We were friends before politics and will remain friends after politics." Stern also mentioned his ongoing commitment to Israeli politics, suggesting future collaborations to address the current government's challenges.

Yair Lapid responded by acknowledging Stern's significant contributions to Yesh Atid's achievements and the establishment of the change government, expressing personal friendship and wishing him success.

Political analysts speculate that Stern may join the party led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot. Stern recently praised Eizenkot as a consensus leader capable of uniting the political bloc, contrasting him with Naftali Bennett, urging Bennett to step aside swiftly.