Limor Livnat
Limor LivnatFlash 90

The lead up to Israel's 2015 elections has seen much speculation about the return of retired Likud ministers Moshe Kahlon and Gideon Sa'ar.

However, for one Likud Minister, March 17 elections are the end of the road. 

Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat announced Monday night her plans to officially retire from Israeli politics. 

"Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Israeli public for approximately 23 years - almost 14 full years of which [I served] in Israeli governments," Livnat wrote. 

"In all the roles I've had I worked and tried to lead processes and reforms to benefit the public, as well as to improve existing programs, even at the price of struggling against powerful opposition." 

Since joining the Knesset as a Likud member for the first time in 1992, Livnat has served as Minister of Communications from 1996-1999, Minister of Education from 2001-2006, and finally Minister of Culture and Sport from 2009 until the present. 

"The decision to retire has been in my mind for some time. I even spoke to the Prime Minister about it a few months ago," Livnat said. 

"Of course, prior to setting out on a new path, I intend to complete a long list of tasks, which are already in progress," she promised. 

"This is a significant decision in my life, and I accept it with a whole heart, and with the belief that it is the right thing to do. "

Livnat will continue serving as Minister of Culture and Sport until the end of her term.