Another Knesset Member Announces Departure from Yair Lapid's Party

Knesset member Debbie Biton announced on Tuesday via X that she has decided not to run as part of the "Yesh Atid" list for the upcoming Knesset elections. According to her, she had already communicated this decision to party chairman Yair Lapid last Thursday following a period of reflection.

"After reflection, I informed Yair Lapid last Thursday of my decision not to put myself forward this time as a candidate in the forming "Yesh Atid" list for the upcoming Knesset elections," Biton stated.

Biton, who is concluding four years in the Knesset, reflected on her tenure: "I am finishing four intensive and significant years in the Knesset with a great sense of satisfaction and pride in the public work, legislation, and struggles I have been a part of."

She went on to thank the party chairman and her colleagues: "I thank Yair Lapid for the trust, the opportunity, and the shared path, and my colleagues in "Yesh Atid" for years of work, friendship, and joint action."

Alongside her decision not to run for the next Knesset, Biton clarified that she is not parting ways with the party and intends to continue her public activity: "I am not parting ways with "Yesh Atid", the people, and our shared path. I will continue to believe in the values that led us, to act for them, and to be part of the public work in the future as well."

She concluded: "I am moving on from here to action, to meet people and communities, to voice opinions, and to promote the issues that have accompanied me throughout the way, out of the same commitment to the public and the State of Israel."

Biton's decision follows an announcement by Knesset member Mickey Levy that he would not run on the list for the next Knesset. Levy has agreed with Lapid to remain within the party and continue his work there, following a similar announcement by Meir Cohen.