Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer Will Not Seek Reelection

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer announced Wednesday that he will not seek a seat in the next Knesset and will leave politics when the current term ends. Sofer thanked Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their trust and cooperation, and said he would continue serving diligently through the end of the term. He called on Israelis to strengthen national unity, solidarity and shared responsibility while maintaining firm security. Sofer said he would continue contributing to Israel outside parliament and pointed to the tens of thousands of new immigrants received during his tenure as a source of hope.