PHOTOS: Yesh Atid MK Yaakov Peri Resigns From Knesset

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

MK Yaakov Peri, of the Yesh Atid opposition party, submitted his resignation from Knesset to Speaker Yuli Edelstein. The letter is time-stamped Wednesday, 22 Shevat, 2:50PM and the resignation takes effect in 48 hours from this date/time.

Peri told the media, “I never hid the fact that heart problems prevented me from completing full military service. In recent months, various parties have been trying to undermine my credibility and those who work for the State of Israel. All my life I fought, acted, and even was injured in my position in Shin Bet.

“In light of the fact that the publications tend to cast a heavy shadow on my service to the nation over the years in order to strengthen the security of the State of Israel, as well as the values represented by the Yesh Atid party, I decided to take time out of my public activities and submit my resignation from the Knesset.

Speaker Edelstein accepted the letter, citing Peri has given 30 years of service to the Shin Bet, and was seriously wounded during that service. He applauded Peri’s contribution to the State of Israel.

Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid added, “His contribution of MK Peri to the security of Israel is among the most prominent known by the state. I respect his decision which reflects the values of Yesh Atid and the norms it champions”.