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Interior Minister and leading Likud figure Gideon Saar surprised the Israeli political world last night by announcing his resignation in order to devote more time to his personal life.

Speaking at a Likud Party event in Ramat Gan prior to the Jewish New Year, Saar told the shocked crowd, “After the [upcoming Jewish] holidays, I will quit my job in the government and the Knesset … Politics is not a profession. It’s service to the people of Israel.”

47-year-old Saar explained, “Sometimes you have to take your personal life into account … I want privacy, quiet, freedom, and to spend more time at home.” Saar is married to Channel One broadcaster Geula Even who was recently suspended for interviewing Likud politicians due to a conflict of interest. She was quickly reinstated following Saar’s resignation.

Saar is widely regarded as a key challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the head of the Likud Party. He secured second spot on the party’s list of candidates for the 2013 election. Saar stressed that he would remain in the Likud Party despite his break from politics, saying, “I have always represented Likud values with pride.” Some have interpreted this as an intention to eventually return to challenge for the party leadership.

Prior to being elected to the Knesset in 2003, Saar served as an assistant to the Attorney General before being appointed by Netanyahu as cabinet secretary. Prior to his current position as Interior Minister, Saar was the Education Minister. He has also served as Likud Party Chairman and Deputy Speaker of the Knesset. Netanyahu commented last night saying, “I thank you for your long years of public service in the government, in the Knesset and in the Likud party and wish you success.”

Saar’s place in the Knesset will be taken Yisrael Beitenu’s Leon Litinetsky, who was next in line on the joint Likud-Beitenu list at the 2013 elections. As a result, Likud will have just 18 Knesset members, one less than Yesh Atid.