Israeli consul general in New York resigns

(March 26, 2023 / JNS) Shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sacked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for breaking ranks, Israel’s consul general in New York tendered his resignation.

“The past 18 months as Israel’s consul general in New York were fulfilling and rewarding, but following today’s developments, it is now time for me to join the fight for Israel’s future to ensure it remains a beacon of democracy and freedom in the world,” the diplomat, Asaf Zamir, wrote on Twitter.

Zamir shared a letter, in which he wrote that he quits “with a heavy heart” the “greatest honor and privilege” of serving as Israel’s representative in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Delaware.

The past 18 months as Israel’s Consul General in New York were fulfilling and rewarding, but following today’s developments, it is now time for me to join the fight for Israel’s future to ensure it remains a beacon of democracy and freedom in the world. Here is the letter I sent: pic.twitter.com/Sfz8y3ALLv

— Asaf Zamir (@AmbAsafZamir) March 26, 2023

“The political situation in Israel has reached a critical point, and I feel a deep sense of responsibility and moral obligation to stand up for what is right and fight for the democratic values that I hold dear,” he wrote in the letter. “Today’s dangerous decision to fire the minister of defense convinced me that I can no longer continue to represent this government.”

The diplomat added that his resignation should not be seen as his rejection of the Israeli state or of Israelis. “I am taking this step because of my deep love for my country,” he wrote.

Zamier was formerly Israeli minister of tourism and deputy mayor of Tel Aviv.

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