Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer from the far-right Religious Zionism party announced on Wednesday that he will not run in the upcoming parliamentary election, in an apparent split with his party over its support for efforts to exempt ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service.

“The State of Israel must continue to fortify its security, and erect a solid, cast-iron wall, but also one that is based on values and unity,” he said in a statement.

Hebrew media reports said Sofer’s decision was the result of his intense disagreement with the coalition’s recent efforts to authorize draft exemptions for Haredim.

“The bereaved and those wounded in war will carry with them scars that will not heal quickly,” Sofer wrote. “These will remind us all, every day, of the great responsibility and commitment to the right path.”

“The citizens of Israel have a duty to demand a discourse of unity, solidarity, and true partnership in the sacred and critical mission of protecting the security of the state,” he added.

Sofer has served in the Knesset since 2019.

In a post on X, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, chair of Religious Zionism, said he had accepted Sofer’s resignation, praising him for his years of work and his “pleasant and unique political style,” and calling him a “hero of Israel in the army and in civilian life.”

Sofer’s departure came a day........

© The Times of Israel