Former Minister Miki Levy to Leave Yesh Atid List, Serve as Party's Court Head

Former minister and Knesset member Miki Levy announced on Monday evening that he has reached an agreement with Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid not to run on the party's list in the upcoming elections. Levy will instead serve as the head of the party's internal tribunal. "I will not be on the list, but I am staying in Yesh Atid, in this home, in this path and our values," Levy wrote, adding that he would continue to support the party and work towards its success in the election campaign.

Levy, who co-founded Yesh Atid in 2011, reflected on the party's journey, acknowledging both its struggles and triumphs. He expressed deep gratitude to Lapid for the trust and opportunities given to him over the years, including serving in significant government roles. Levy also thanked his party colleagues, whom he considers family, for their support throughout their shared political endeavors.

Levy emphasized that he harbors no anger or bitterness, only gratitude and pride for the path they have taken together. He stated that he is not leaving Yesh Atid but concluding one chapter of a long journey, expressing confidence that the party's leadership will guide it forward and continue to fight for Israel's future.

Levy's announcement follows a similar decision by former minister Meir Cohen, who also announced he would not seek re-election and would instead head the Yesh Atid conference. Lapid praised Cohen as a rare individual and politician, noting Cohen's desire to make way for the next generation of party leaders.

Cohen, a founding member of Yesh Atid, stated that after 25 years in education and 23 years in politics, including two terms as mayor and twice as Minister of Welfare, he is happily stepping aside for the next generation. He affirmed his belief in the party's values and its potential to lead Israel.

These departures come after MK Elazar Stern announced his departure from Yesh Atid two and a half weeks ago to join Gadi Eisenkot's "Yisrael” party, and Yoav Segalovitz resigned from the Knesset and Yesh Atid earlier this month, potentially to join Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party.