The former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday that he is leaving the country's parliament.
This statement comes less than two months after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed him from the defense minister position following several months of disagreement regarding the conduct of the war in Gaza.
After his dismissal, Gallant retained his seat in the Knesset but has now expressed his desire to "take a break" from his political career.
"This will conclude 45 years of my service for the country: 35 years in the ranks of the IDF, a decade in the Knesset and Israeli governments, including two dramatic years as Defense Minister," Gallant said in a televised address.
Gallant added that he was removed from his position after insisting on the need to revoke the controversial exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox individuals.
Military service is mandatory for most Jews, but Haredim receive exemptions, which has sparked mixed reactions in Israel, especially considering the ongoing IDF operations in the Palestinian enclave.
Gallant stated that the government's intention to maintain this exemption is the primary reason for his departure.
Israeli media also report that one of the reasons behind Gallant's decision to resign from parliament may be his reluctance to appear before the commission investigating the events of October 7, when he was in a government position.
Gallant and Netanyahu have not always agreed on the war in Gaza. Gallant advocated for a diplomatic deal that would enable the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, while Netanyahu calls for continued military pressure on the group.
Gallant's unexpected dismissal as defense minister, which Netanyahu described as caused by "significant gaps" and a "crisis of trust," sparked protests in Israel.
The Prime Minister replaced Gallant with Israel Katz, who previously held this position and also led the Foreign Ministry.
Despite his departure from the Knesset, Gallant stated that he will remain a member of Netanyahu's "Likud" party.
"As a member of the Likud party, I will continue to fight for its national, ideological, and Zionist path," Gallant said.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Gallant and Netanyahu to hold them accountable for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, claims that over 45,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the fighting in the enclave.
The war in the Gaza Strip continues despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for "an immediate, complete, and final ceasefire with the release of hostages."