Veteran MKs Lapid intends to leave out - and the resignation of Meir Cohen
Ahead of presenting the joint list with Naftali Bennett, the Yesh Atid chairman is carrying out a deep reorganization within the party. While some MKs will keep their spots, a series of senior figures have resigned or were pushed back, while others wait for the final decision, expected by the end of the week.
A significant change in the list composition is emerging: Yesh Atid chairman, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, is reorganizing the party list ahead of the submission of lists to the Knesset next week.
While Naor Shiri, Vladimir Beliak, Merav Cohen, and Merav Ben-Ari are expected to keep realistic spots, there are those who have already received hints regarding their being pushed back, and accordingly have already made the decision to resign from the list or are waiting for Lapid's decision. It has become known that Lapid is expected to update his MKs on the placements by the end of the week, ahead of the presentation of the joint list with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Ram Ben-Barak is also expected to be placed in a realistic spot, as he was a hair's breadth away from defeating Lapid in the elections for the leadership of Yesh Atid. If Lapid pushes him back contrary to expectations, it will confirm the image that he pushes back those who threaten his status.
In the party, it is estimated that a series of veteran MKs received a message that their place on the list is not guaranteed. Among the MKs who understood the hint and have already submitted their resignations are Yoav Segalovitz (re-placed in Ra'am), Boaz Toporovsky and Ron Katz, and Elazar Stern, who announced his entry into the Yashar! party led by Gadi Eizenkot.
The next stage may be significant for other veteran MKs. According to estimates, among the names that might face a similar dilemma are Mickey Levy and Karin Elharar. MK Meir Cohen faced the dilemma and decided on Monday to resign.
"I vacate my place with joy"
MK and former minister Meir Cohen has decided not to run on the "Beyahad" list for the next Knesset. MK Cohen will be appointed chairman and president of the Yesh Atid conference.
"Yair and I founded Yesh Atid together and I have been a member since its first day. After 25 years in the education system and 23 years in politics, I vacate my place with joy and pride for the next generation of the party. I believe in the party's values, I believe that we are the best team in Israeli politics, and I will continue to act so that Yesh Atid and Yair at its head will lead the State of Israel."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded to his resignation:
"This is not a goodbye. Meir is my older brother. He has always been and will always be the person closest to me in Yesh Atid. I asked him to run in a high spot this time as well, but Meir wanted to give a chance to the next generation. This only proves, again, what a rare person and rare politician he is."
