Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Wednesday he received 'with sorrow' the decision of Immigration Minister Ophir Sofer not to run in the next Knesset election. Smotrich called Sofer a 'longtime partner' and 'a hero of Israel in military and civilian life', and expressed confidence Sofer will find the next challenge to serve the nation. Sofer announced his retirement earlier today.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a statement Wednesday afternoon calling Immigration Minister Ophir Sofer a 'hero of Israel' and expressing sorrow over Sofer's decision not to run in the next Knesset election. The statement, which adds the 'hero of Israel' characterization to Smotrich's earlier expressions of sorrow, praised Sofer's 'pleasant and unique political style' and expressed confidence he will find a new challenge to serve the nation.
The story unfolded rapidly beginning at 15:22 Jerusalem, when Sofer's retirement was first reported. Initial reports cited a dispute with Smotrich over Haredi conscription as the reason. Within minutes, Sofer issued a statement thanking Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for national unity. Subsequent updates from Israeli media added that Sofer said Israel must strengthen its security. Smotrich then responded, first expressing sorrow and calling Sofer a 'longtime partner,' and later releasing the more detailed statement including the 'hero of Israel' designation.
Sofer's departure comes amid broader tensions within the religious-Zionist camp. As The Zioneer reported earlier this month, former IDF general Ofer Winter stated he would not run on a joint slate with Smotrich, calling himself 'not sectoral.' Sofer also recently apologized for backing the Brothers in Arms protest group, a move that drew criticism from within his party.
Sofer has said he will serve out his term. The precise reasons for his departure have varied: initial reports pointed to the Haredi conscription rift, while Sofer's own statement emphasized values and unity. The extent to which internal party dynamics or broader political considerations drove his decision remains unclear.
9 developments
- StrongReport: Minister Ofir Sofer to retire from politics
- DevelopingOfer Winter says he will not run with Smotrich, calls himself 'not sectoral'
- StrongBen Gvir confirms he and Smotrich will not run together, repeats 'two heads' argument
- DevelopingFinance Minister Smotrich tells Oded Harosh he considered resigning after October 7
Source and signal
- Internal intake