Environment minister Elkin throws hat into Jerusalem mayor race

Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister Ze’ev Elkin, who also serves as minister of the environment, announces that he will run in the October election for mayor of Jerusalem as the Likud candidate.

“Dear residents of Jerusalem, I have just told the prime minister that I have decided to run as a candidate for Jerusalem mayor,” he says in a video posted on social media.

“I am willing to give up the position of a senior minister and member of the security cabinet for the sake of Jerusalem because Jerusalem is a challenge at a national level of the utmost importance,” he adds. “I ask for your trust and support in the elections.”

Elkin has held talks recently with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with outgoing Mayor Nir Barkat and coalition heads.

— Raoul Wootliff