Israel’s Public Diplomacy Minister, Galit Distel Atbaryan, has tendered her resignation, citing the reduction of her ministry’s powers during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Her decision follows the Israeli government’s recent decision to task the Diaspora Affairs Ministry with overseeing Israel’s international public diplomacy efforts alongside the Foreign Ministry, effectively rendering her ministry redundant and, in her words, a “waste of public money.”
In an official statement, Atbaryan emphasized the paramount importance of the nation’s interests during these challenging times. She stated, “Ego aside – the good of Israel comes first, certainly during such a difficult war.”
The Ministry of Public Diplomacy has faced an uphill battle since its inception earlier this year. Critics have continuously questioned its relevance and limited influence. Notably, the ministry, which essentially comprises the minister’s office, encountered multiple setbacks in its efforts to appoint a ministry director-general.
Atbaryan highlighted her concerns, saying, “Running a government office is an expensive matter, and the people of Israel need every shekel. And when I see the Ministry of Information that has been emptied of the powers it was given in the first place – I can only honestly admit that every day it is operated from now on is a waste of public funds.”
She concluded her statement by announcing her resignation from the role of Minister of Public Diplomacy and expressing her confidence in her successor, Amichai Shikli. She also called on the Prime Minister to allocate the entire ministry’s budget to citizens in the southern region of the country.
In her farewell message, Atbaryan acknowledged the dedication of her office team, who had worked tirelessly to promote Israel’s narrative worldwide during the crisis. She expressed her gratitude to them and pledged to continue serving the nation from the Knesset (Parliament).
