Labor MK Avishay Braverman resigns from Knesset

Parliamentarian entered politics in 2006, says he is leaving out of a feeling of ‘exhaustion’

Stuart Winer is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.

Chairman of the Economic Affairs committee MK Avishay Braverman (Labor) seen during a committee meeting, November 03, 2014. (photo credit: Miriam Alster/FLASH90)
Chairman of the Economic Affairs committee MK Avishay Braverman (Labor) seen during a committee meeting, November 03, 2014. (photo credit: Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

Labor MK Avishai Braverman informed party leader Isaac Herzog on Monday that he will not be running for the Knesset in the coming elections and that he is retiring from politics.

Braverman, 66, stressed in a letter to Herzog that he intends to continue providing active support for the party.

“It was a great privilege to serve the country and the party,” he wrote. “Today, out of a feeling of exhaustion, I am retiring from political life and going on to a new path.”

Braverman made clear his full support for Herzog as party leader in the coming elections.

“Isaac Herzog is the candidate that can bring change, and he has the ability and the skills to lead the country and bring a new hope,” Braverman said.

Braverman began his career in 2006 when he became an MK for Labor under then-chairman Amir Peretz. During his time in Knesset he served as minority affairs minister and chaired various house committees, most recently the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee.

Bravermans’ retirement came days after veteran MK Binyamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor) announced that he would be leaving political life.

In a letter he sent from his hospital bed to Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, former defense minister Ben-Eliezer, who had served in the Knesset for 30 years, said health issues had forced him to quit politics.

The two retirements came ahead of general elections in Israel scheduled for March 17.

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