Israeli Public Diplomacy Minister Resigns amidst Gaza Conflict

Israeli Public Diplomacy Minister, Galit Distel Atbaryan, has stepped down from her position, deeming her ministry redundant and a misuse of public funds during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Atbaryan’s resignation follows a recent decision by the Israeli government to grant expanded authority to the Diaspora Affairs Ministry and its oversight of international public diplomacy efforts, rendering the minister largely obsolete.

Taking to Twitter to convey her decision, Atbaryan stressed the necessity of prioritizing the nation’s interests during these turbulent times, declaring, “Ego aside – the good of Israel comes first, certainly during such a difficult war.”

Since its inception at the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Public Diplomacy had struggled to establish its relevance and influence. Criticism from journalists and observers questioned its purpose and effectiveness, exacerbated by its inability to appoint a ministry director-general.

In her official statement, Atbaryan questioned the duplicity of efforts, as other entities already addressed national security and resilience. She stated, “Running a government office is an expensive matter, and the people of Israel need every shekel.” She concluded by announcing her resignation and expressed confidence in her successor, Amichai Shikli.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Business Today