Shas MK Moshe Arbel Resigns from Knesset to Chair Mehadrin

Former interior minister and Shas MK Moshe Arbel submitted his resignation from the Knesset on Sunday, citing personal reasons. He is expected to leave politics and chair the Mehadrin company, which grows and exports produce. Arbel wrote a letter to Shas party leader Arye Deri thanking him and other party members for their trust and guidance.

He stated that he will continue to act in the spirit of the Shas movement's values outside the Knesset.

Deri accepted Arbel's request to resign for the personal reasons presented. Deri added that Arbel stated he is willing to continue assisting the movement and that he hopes to assign him tasks soon. The Mehadrin company announced that Arbel will join its board of directors as chairman.

The company is the largest grower and exporter of citrus along with other fruits and vegetables. Arbel said after years of public service he is entering a new chapter. He described Mehadrin as a veteran Israeli company connected to work, land, and Israeli agriculture.

Arbel entered the Knesset in 2019 and served as both health and interior minister. He supported equal conscription to the IDF and stated that being ultra-Orthodox is not a reason to be exempt from military service. His resignation comes amid ongoing tensions between the haredi parties and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the haredi draft law.

Former MK Erez Malul, next in line on the Shas party list, is expected to take Arbel's place.