FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2020 file photo, Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman arrives for a situation assessment meeting regarding the Coronavirus, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman, who served as health minister during the initial outbreak of the virus, resigned Sunday, Sept 13, 2020, in protest over the government’s plan to impose a nationwide lockdown this week ahead of the Jewish New Year due to rising coronavirus cases. (Jack Guez/Pool via AP, File)
FILE – In this Feb. 23, 2020 file photo, Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman arrives for a situation assessment meeting regarding the Coronavirus, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman, who served as health minister during the initial outbreak of the virus, resigned Sunday, Sept 13, 2020, in protest over the government’s plan to impose a nationwide lockdown this week ahead of the Jewish New Year due to rising coronavirus cases. (Jack Guez/Pool via AP, File)

 

JERUSALEM — Senior Charedi political leader Yaakov Litzman will not run for Knesset reelection.

Mr. Litzman made the announcement during an interview on Israeli television Sunday. The MK from the United Torah Judaism party (UTJ) said, “If there are new elections, I will not run. I won’t go to the Knesset again.”

Mr. Litzman has served in the Knesset since 1999, and during that time he served as Health Minister twice, and served as Housing and Construction Minister.

The MK said that his decision not to run is not related to a criminal investigation against him. He is being probed over corruption allegations, including a claim that he used his position to pressure experts to testify in defense of a Charedi Australian female educator accused of abusing dozens of students. He also denied having any plea deal in place.

The 73 year old said that the main driver behind his decision is his age, and he would like to make room for younger blood in his Charedi party.

Litzman currently heads the Agudath Yisrael party, and for years headed the UTJ faction.

In January, Litzman stepped down as chair of UTJ after 18 years.

Litzman is the second Charedi leader this week to announce that he will leave the Knesset. Shas leader and MK Aryeh Deri was indicted on tax charges on Sunday, and as part of the plea agreement, Mr. Deri will be resigning from the Knesset.

As reported by Vos Iz Neias