Jerusalem24 – In a move that further threatens to bring down Israeli PM Naftali Bennett’s coalition government, Bennett’s senior political advisor Shimrit Meir announced her resignation on Friday.
This is the first resignation in Bennett’s office.
Meir is considered one of Bennett’s closest advisors. She worked on Israeli diplomacy, and become a leading figure in Bennett’s efforts to appeal to the political center – a move which other advisors argue harmed the trust other Yamina lawmakers had in him, according to Israeli newspaper Hareetz.
In a letter to Bennett, Meir said that since being appointed a year ago the series of tasks entrusted to her by the PM required great sacrifices in her personal life, and that it was time to leave.
However, she added that she remained available to help with regard to the upcoming visit of the President of the United States, slated for the end of June.
Bennett said of Meir, “She contributed greatly to advancing Israel’s diplomatic stance in the world, strengthening ties with the United States and Europe, and helped the fight against Iran.”
Khaldoun Al-Barghouthi, an expert in Israeli Affairs, told Jerusalem24 that the resignation had nothing to do with the events at Abu Akleh’s funeral, which was held the same day of the resignation and during which Israeli police attacked mourners carrying Abu Akleh’s casket. He added that she would formally step down on June 1, one year after being appointed.
