MK Meir Cohen to Leave Knesset, Take New Party Role

Member of Knesset and former minister Meir Cohen, of the Yesh Atid party, announced on Monday his decision not to run in the upcoming elections. Cohen, who has been a member of Yesh Atid since its inception, stated he is "happily and proudly making way for the next generation of the party's members." He will be appointed as chairman and president of the Yesh Atid conference.

Party leader Yair Lapid praised Cohen's decision, calling him a "rare person and a rare politician." Lapid mentioned he had asked Cohen to run in a high position again, but Cohen wished to "give an opportunity to the next generation of the party's Knesset members." Lapid emphasized that this is not a farewell, describing Cohen as his "older brother" and a "pillar and central figure" in Yesh Atid.

Cohen, who previously served as mayor of his city for two terms and twice as Minister of Welfare, expressed his continued belief in the party's values and its ability to lead Israel. He cited his 25 years in education and 23 years in politics as his extensive experience.

Cohen's departure follows other recent shifts within Yesh Atid. Two and a half weeks ago, MK Elazar Stern announced his departure from the party to join Gadi Eisenkot's "Yisrael" party. Last week, Yoav Segalovitz, former deputy minister of public security, resigned from the Knesset and left Yesh Atid, reportedly considering joining Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party.