Former minister and Shas MK Moshe Arbel officially submitted his resignation from the Knesset on Sunday, bringing to a close more than a decade of public service.

Arbel delivered his resignation letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana under Section 40 of the Basic Law: The Knesset. His departure ends a 12-year tenure in parliament and government positions. According to the Shas party list, Erez Malul is expected to take his place in the Knesset.

In his resignation letter, Arbel reflected on his years in public service, beginning with his work as a parliamentary adviser and chief of staff before later serving as a Knesset member, Deputy Knesset Speaker, Interior Minister, and Health Minister.

“Twelve years – more than a quarter of my life – of meaningful work on behalf of all citizens of the State of Israel… Out of love for the People of Israel and seeing good in each and every one of them,” Arbel wrote.

He explained that his decision comes as the current Knesset term approaches its conclusion, adding that he intends to dedicate more time to his family, Torah study, and completing his doctoral studies in law at Reichman University.

Arbel also thanked the Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah and Shas chairman R’ Aryeh Deri for the confidence they placed in him throughout his years of service.

He concluded with a call for greater unity within Israeli society and among elected officials.

“May the Knesset merit removing the causes of division, eliminating the barriers that separate us, and banishing baseless hatred from among us, so that we may respect one another and act with moderation toward each other,” he wrote.