Likud Lawmaker Galit Distel Atbaryan Says She’s Leaving Politics, Won’t Run in Upcoming Primary

Knesset member Galit Distel Atbaryan announced today (Monday), during a discussion in the Communications Committee, that she will retire from political life and will not run in the upcoming Likud primary. The announcement follows a lengthy period in which she had hinted that she was weighing her public future.

As early as last October, the former minister hinted in a series of interviews that she was debating whether to remain in the political arena. Sources close to her said at the time that she was seriously considering stepping down, but had not yet made a final decision about whether to run in the upcoming primary.

In her statement, she referred to the work of Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi: "I am full of appreciation, and that appreciation grows stronger by the day, for this talented, brave, wise, brilliant public servant. A man who truly holds ideological positions with determination, who acts with thoughtful judgment, and who is deeply knowledgeable in his field".

She concluded by saying: "I say from my modest place, as someone who is leaving the political world: Likud members, this man needs to be in the top five".

In a response given to Hidabroot on Distel’s behalf, it was said: "After many significant and important achievements during her term - including the important reform that brought 130 million shekels for a reform in Jewish identity in the education system; her consistent fight against the enemies of the haredi and religious public in the Knesset; her many speeches in the Knesset plenum in support of Torah scholars; and her important and just fight for a broad and open communications market for the benefit of the people of Israel - Knesset member Distel announced the end of her political path after fully realizing her achievements".