# Minister Announces Departure Over Draft Exemption Policy
Ofir Sofer, a minister from the Religious Zionism party, announced he will not seek reelection, citing opposition to his coalition's efforts to approve draft exemptions for yeshiva students. The announcement came one day after the Knesset passed legislation to halt arrests of draft evaders.
Sofer's decision represents a significant political position against the exemption measures being pursued by the coalition government. His departure from electoral politics signals a principled stand on the issue of military conscription requirements for ultra-Orthodox religious students, an ongoing point of contention in Israeli politics.
The Knesset's passage of the law to stop arrests of draft evaders preceded Sofer's announcement, indicating the legislative action that prompted his response. The move reflects broader tensions within the coalition regarding military service obligations and religious exemptions.
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