Israel's ambassador to US steps down hours after welcoming Rivlin to Washington

Israel’s ambassador to the US and the UN, announced that he has asked to step down from his post as a Washington diplomat once a new ambassador there is appointed.

Gilad Erdan, a former Likud party politician who was appointed former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he has asked current premier Naftali Bennett to conclude his stint as ambassador in Washington.

He said he would not remain in the position beyond November.

The November deadline was set in the prior government's coalition agreement between Netanyahu and Kahol Lavan party leader Benny Gantz.

"I am proud of the privilege of representing the State of Israel with the most important of our allies," Erdan tweeted.

"Since my appointment, I have worked to build and consolidate the ties with the Biden administration to strengthen the alliance between us and to maintain the bipartisan support for Israel.

"Nevertheless, in my opinion, the person representing the [Israeli] government to the US administration should be appointed by the current government, and therefore I have informed the prime minister of my readiness to end my tenure immediately after the approval of an ambassador on his behalf by the cabinet."

Erdan added that he will continue to "fight for justice" for Israel at the UN.

Erdan's resignation came hours after welcoming Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to Washington, where he will meet on Monday with President Joe Biden at the White House.

Erdan in May replaced Ron Dermer, Netanyahu’s closest confidant who served as an ambassador for eight years and became one of Washington's most influential and powerful diplomats.

He will continue in his position as ambassador for the UN.

I’ve spoken to PM Bennett and asked him to accept my resignation as Israel’s Amb. to the US, pending the appointment of a new ambassador on his behalf. It was a true honor to represent Israel to our closest ally. 1/3

— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) June 27, 2021

During his previous role as public security minister, Erdan drew criticism for his efforts in coordination with Mossad, to quash the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, led by Palestinians in order to highlight human rights violations committed by Israel.

As part of the campaign, Erdan pushed for the 2017 law that bars boycott supporters from entering Israel.

He also faced criticism for his anti-Arab stance, claiming that Palestinian culture is inherently violent.

In 2019, he was accused of failing to sufficiently investigate the rise in violent crime in Palestinian neighbourhoods.