Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer (Religious Zionist Party) announced on Wednesday that he would not be running in the upcoming elections, which are set for October 27.
Sofer has served as aliyah minister throughout the government’s term since 2022 and entered the Knesset for the first time in 2019. He is also a former IDF officer and was severely wounded in combat, later recognized as a disabled IDF veteran.
His announcement comes as a series of legislation has recently been advanced by the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which critics argue encourages draft evasion, even amid the IDF’s severe manpower crisis.
Sofer noted in his departure statement that “the bereavement and wounds of the war will leave scars that will not heal anytime soon.” He added that “the State of Israel must continue to strengthen its security and build an unyielding iron wall.”
Sofer had voiced opposition to a previous version of a haredi draft bill advanced by the coalition, which critics argued encouraged draft evasion.
He had also voted in favor of a hostage deal agreement in 2025, despite objections from other members of the far-right Religious Zionist Party.
Sofer stated that throughout his term, he felt privileged to lead the Aliyah and Integration Ministry and to “contribute to the immigration of tens of thousands of people who chose to make Israel their home at this time.”
“That work filled me with great hope and optimism,” he added.
He said he would continue to serve in his position until the end of his term.
He also thanked Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich and Netanyahu, along with supporters.
Smotrich laments departure of 'long-time political partner'
Smotrich responded to the departure, saying that he had received Sofer’s decision with regret, calling him a “friend and long-time political partner.”
The far-right party leader wished him well in finding a new opportunity to “continue serving the people.” Smotrich noted that Sofer “represents an important voice within the people of Israel and the Religious Zionist community.”
Sofer’s announcement comes after the contentious bill to temporarily freeze the arrests of haredi draft evaders was passed in the Knesset one day prior.
The passage of the bill in its final readings came following severe legal warnings that the legislation is unbalanced and will not increase haredi enlistment amid the IDF’s severe manpower shortage, as well as outrage from bereaved families and reservists.
Lawmakers from the Religious Zionist Party had voted in favor of the legislation, except for MK Moshe Solomon.
Smotrich removed Solomon from his role in all Knesset committees last month as a disciplinary measure after Solomon voted against a separate contentious bill to enshrine Torah study in Basic Law.
Sofer departure comes after resignation of Deputy FM Haskel
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel (New Hope-United Right) had announced her resignation from the government on Tuesday, shortly after the passage of the bill to freeze the arrests of haredi draft evaders.
She stated that she could no longer stand behind the government’s decisions after the approval of the legislation. Haskel was among the group of lawmakers from Netanyahu’s coalition who voted against the bill.