Full Breakdown
Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer Announces He Will Not Run in October Election
7/15/2026, 8:18:00 PM
Sofer’s Exit from the Election Race
Aliyah and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer (Religious Zionist Party) declared on Wednesday that he will not be a candidate in Israel’s election slated for 27 October. Sofer, an IDF veteran wounded in combat and a Knesset member since 2019, said he will remain in his ministerial post until the end of the current term. He highlighted his pride in overseeing the immigration of “tens of thousands of people who chose to make Israel their home” and expressed optimism about that work despite the nation’s security challenges.
Legislative Turmoil Over Haredi Draft Policy
Sofer’s announcement follows the Knesset’s passage of a bill that temporarily freezes arrests of haredi draft-evaders—a measure championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and ultra-Orthodox parties. Lawmakers from the Religious Zionist Party largely supported the legislation, with the exception of MK Moshe Solomon, who was later stripped of committee roles by party leader Bezalel Smotrich. The bill’s final reading came amid legal warnings that it is “unbalanced” and unlikely to boost haredi enlistment, a concern amplified by Israel’s severe IDF manpower shortage and protests from bereaved families and reservists.
Official Reactions
Sofer thanked party leader Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Netanyahu for their support, while Smotrich described Sofer’s departure as a loss of a “friend and long-time political partner” and noted that he “represents an important voice within the people of Israel and the Religious Zionist community.” Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel (New Hope-United Right) resigned shortly after the bill’s approval, stating she could no longer stand behind the government’s decisions.
Opposition and Legal Concerns
Critics argue the freeze on arrests encourages draft evasion and fails to address the IDF’s recruitment crisis. Legal experts warned the legislation does not constitute a balanced solution and could exacerbate tensions with families of fallen soldiers and active reservists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the bereavement and wounds of the war will leave scars that will not heal anytime soon.” — Ofir Sofer, Minister
- “the State of Israel must continue to strengthen its security and build an unyielding iron wall.” — Ofir Sofer, Minister
- “That work filled me with great hope and optimism,” — Ofir Sofer, Minister
- “friend and long-time political partner.” — Bezalel Smotrich, Party Leader
- “ Smotrich noted that the Sofer “represents an important voice within the people of Israel and the Religious Zionist community.” — Bezalel Smotrich, Party Leader
