JERUSALEM (JTA) — Two-thirds of the Kadima Party’s 28 lawmakers are leaving the party.
Several announced their intentions to step down on Wednesday, when the party made public its Knesset list for the Jan. 22 elections. The list was created by the party’s Arrangements Committee instead of by primary.
Former Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik said she was taking a break from political life and would not run, as did lawmakers Roni Bar-On and Yaakov Edrey.
Following the presentation of the list, Marina Solodkin, who was placed ninth — likely not a realistic position — said she also was leaving the party after five terms in the Knesset.
Seven lawmakers quit Kadima to join Tzipi Livni’s new party, called Hatnua, or the movement. They are Meir Sheetrit, Yoel Hasson, Rachel Adatto, Shlomo Molla, Orit Zuaretz, Majali Wahabi and Robert Tiviaev.
Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz is No. 1 on the party list, followed by lawmakers Israel Hasson and Yohanan Plesner.
