Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat confirmed Sunday that he would not seek a third term as mayor of Jerusalem, and will run for national office as a member of the Likud Party.

Barkat’s departure from municipal government in hopes of joining the national leadership has been long rumored, but only officially confirmed today.

“Sixteen years ago, I left all my business dealings, and devoted myself to Jerusalem, the city I grew up in and where I raised my family,” Barkat wrote in the announcement. “For over a decade, together with many partners, most importantly Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, we carried out a historical change of course and returned Jerusalem to a path of growth, with the largest budget the city has ever seen.

“After setting Jerusalem on the right course, I will not be running for a third term as mayor,” Barkat continued, adding that he may be leaving city hall, but he would never leave Jerusalem.

“I have decided to serve the country at the national level, and to strengthen the Likud party, [the party] I believe in with all my heart. I plan on asking for the party members’ support in the next election.”

Barkat, who made a fortune in the hi-tech sector, has served as mayor for a symbolic salary of just one shekel a year. He vowed to continue this trend in any position he is elected to in future.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, who met with Barkat Sunday morning, congratulated his decision, saying “You know what I say to people crazy enough to take on the burden of public service – congratulations and my condolences. At this point I’ll say congratulations! I am very pleased that we will continue to cooperate, we did it well as mayor and prime minister, and now, I welcome you with open arms into our movement.”