Ran Cohen to resign from politics

Following in footsteps of fellow Meretz MK Yossi Beilin, left-wing party's Ran Cohen announces won't seek spot on roster for upcoming elections. 'I want to start chapter three of my life, to do things for my soul: writing, lecturing, taking part in social and public initiatives that interest me'

Amnon Meranda|Published: 11.01.08 , 17:51

A one-two punch to Meretz this week as MK Ran Cohen announced on Saturday that he intends to retire from political life and will not be seeking a spot on the party's roster ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Cohen's decision follows a similar announcement Tuesday by another prominent member of the left-wing party, MK Yossi Beilin.

Cohen said he has tendered his resignation to Meretz Chairman Haim Oron.

Cohen, 69, a colonel in the reserves, has served as a member of parliament since 1984. He was minister of industry and trade in Ehud Barak's government (until 2000) and deputy minister of housing and construction for several months in 1992 under Yitzhak Rabin.

Cohen also launched two unsuccessful bids for the top position in Meretz.

In the current Knesset he served on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee and as chairman of the Committee for Foreign Workers.

"'I want to start chapter three of my life, to do things for my soul," explain Cohen, "writing, lecturing, taking part in social and public initiatives that interest me, and to do so when I still have my full strength about me. I would be happy to see young, fresh candidates on Meretz's next roster, who will continue the work towards peace and social justice that I have dedicated my life to."

Speaking with Ynet following is announcement, Cohen said that he feels relieved. The veteran MK said he contemplated at length whether he should resign or run once again for a Knesset seat. "It wasn't afraid to run, and there were a great many delegated keen on supporting me, but I don't think that old-timers like

me should cling to power."

Cohen's ties to the rest of his party were decidedly ambivalent, and he frequently blamed Meretz's Ashkenazi foundation of holding him back. Cohen himself was born in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, and immigrated to Israel with his family during his teenage years.

As a parliamentarian he garnered considerable respect, but failed to leave any lasting impression on the political scene. After loosing to Oron in the last Meretz primaries, Cohen contemplated running for mayor of Tel Aviv, but the idea ultimately wilted.