JERUSALEM (JTA) — Moshe Kahlon, a government minister from the Likud Party, said he would not establish a new party, despite high polling numbers.
Kahlon, the outgoing communications minister, said Saturday night that he would take a break from politics, as he announced last month, and would support Likud and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections.
"I will not run for the 19th Knesset, and I am firm in my decision," Kahlon said.
"Likud is my home, my political and social home. In the coming elections, I will work for victory by Likud headed by Netanyahu."
Polls had shown a new party headed by Kahlon garnering up to 20 Knesset seats in new elections.
Kahlon said he is interested in working outside the government to promote social and economic reforms.