Veteran Yesh Atid MK Meir Cohen Declines Knesset Run, Takes New Party Role

Meir Cohen, a senior Member of Knesset and former minister from the Yesh Atid party, announced on Monday that he will not run in the upcoming elections. Cohen, who currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the Knesset and previously held the positions of Minister of Welfare and Social Services, stated his decision to step aside for the "next generation" of the party.

Following his withdrawal from the joint "Yachad" list, which includes Yesh Atid and "Bnet 2026," Cohen will be appointed Chairman and President of the Yesh Atid Conference. He expressed pride in his long career, spanning 25 years in education as a teacher and principal, followed by 23 years in politics, including two terms as mayor and two stints as minister.

"After 25 years in the education system, as a teacher and school principal, and 23 years in politics - two terms as mayor, twice Minister of Welfare - I am happily and proudly making way for the party's next generation and for the people who will lead it into the future," Cohen said.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded to Cohen's departure, emphasizing that it is not a farewell. "Meir is my older brother. He has always been and will always be the closest person to me in Yesh Atid, and he will continue to be one of the pillars and central figures in the party," Lapid stated. He added that he had asked Cohen to run for a high position again, but Cohen wished to give an opportunity to the party's upcoming Knesset members, which Lapid described as proof of Cohen's rare character and political stature.