Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer pulls out of 2026 election In his resignation statement, Sofer thanked his supporters and stated that he will continue to serve in his position until the end of his term. Follow us on Google Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony commemorating fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror at Kiryat Shaul Military Cemetery in Tel Aviv, April 21, 2026. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) By KESHET NEEV JULY 15, 2026 15:39 Updated: JULY 15, 2026 18:13 Aliyah and Absorption 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.
Sofer’s announcement comes amid a series of legislation being advanced by the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coaltion, 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.”
MK Boaz Bismuth seen with Haredi MK’s and Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer during a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 14, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Sofer had voiced opposition to a previous version of a haredi draft bill advanced by the coalition, which critics argued encouraged draft evasion.
Sofer had also voted in favor of a hostage deal agreement in 2025, despite objections from other members of the 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 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 the 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 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 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 coaltion who voted against the bill.
Follow us on Google
Read More