Veteran Shas lawmaker Yaakov Margi has informed party chairman Aryeh Deri that he does not intend to run in the next Knesset election, bringing an end to a lengthy political career that included more than two decades in the Knesset and senior government positions.

Margi has long been considered one of the most experienced and influential figures within the Shas movement, having served in a variety of key parliamentary and ministerial roles over the years.

In a statement issued following reports about his departure, Margi stressed that he is not severing ties with the party.

“The reports about my leaving the Shas movement are not correct. In recent days I spoke with the movement’s chairman, Rabbi Aryeh Deri, and expressed my desire not to be placed on the list for the next Knesset, after 23 years in which I served as a member of Knesset, director-general of the movement and Minister of Religious Affairs and Welfare. The movement chairman asked me to wait on the decision. I wish to clarify: I am not leaving the Shas movement. The Shas movement is my home. Any position assigned to me by the Council of Torah Sages and the movement chairman, I will fulfill with dedication and a sense of mission.”

Margi becomes the second Shas MK in recent days to announce plans to leave political life.

Just one week earlier, Moshe Arbel submitted his resignation from the Knesset.

In his resignation letter, Arbel explained that his decision was tied to the approaching end of the current Knesset term. He said he hopes to dedicate more time to his family, continue Torah learning, and complete a doctorate in law at Reichman University.

Shortly afterward, Arbel was appointed chairman of the Mehadrin company.