Kadima's Ruhama Avraham quits Knesset
One of Kadima's most prominent MKs announces she will not run in upcoming elections; to seek new path in public service
One of Kadima's most prominent figures is quitting the Knesset. Knesset Member Ruhama Avraham told Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz Tuesday she will not be running in the upcoming Knesset elections.
The move is a tough blow to the party that according to polls is set to lose much of its power in the elections.
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Having spent 20 years in public service, Avraham said she is seeking a new path in public life.
"After a decade spent as a Knesset member and minister I feel the need to take a break from the Knesset and focus on a different type of public service," she said.
Avraham. One of Kadima's founders (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
Avraham's political career began in 1993 as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bureau chief, a capacity she maintained until 1999. She then won a Knesset seat on the Likud list and served as acting interior minister.
She was among the founders of Kadima together with then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. She has served as minister of tourism, the minister responsible for liaison with the Knesset and the minister responsible for the 60th anniversary celebrations.
Criticism of Knesset
Avraham noted in her letter that "the Knesset is not fulfilling its potential in the field of social policy." She stressed that her decision has nothing to do with Kadima's poor performance in the polls.
"It is too early to foresee the outcomes of the elections," she said. "Kadima is a centrist party consisting of some of the best and most experienced Knesset members in Israeli politics and as such has earned its place as a leading and influential party."
Avraham is joining a number of other Kadima MKs who have recently left the party. The last to quit was Arie Bibi who chose to run on the Likud ticket.
Other MKs are waiting to see whether Ehud Olmert and Tzipi Livbi will rejoin the party to decide their future in Kadima.
Moran Azulay is a Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth correspondent
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