Minister Erdan rejects UN envoy post

Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that he has decided to turn down the offer to serve as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

In their latest conversation, Erdan refused to give Netanyahu a clear answer regarding his plans. The prime minister praised Erdan's political work, loyalty and dedication in the parliamentary and political arena, but implied that he would like the minister to reconsider the offer to serve as Israel's UN envoy.

"I don't know where I need you more," Netanyahu said. "Let's sit down and talk about it again. People say I shouldn't let a person who fights for me so much go."

Minister Erdan, who is considered very popular among Likud members, made the decision after long deliberations. His main fear was that spending several years in New York would hurt his political aspirations.

Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will now have to look for a new candidate for the prestigious post, and may return to officials considered in the past.

Former Consul-General to the United States Alon Pinkas, who was one of the leading figures considered for the role, was disqualified about a year ago following pressure exerted by the prime minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu, due to an article published by Pinkas in the Newsweek magazine.

Another person considered in the past was Israeli Ambassador to Britain Ron Prosor. Israel's current UN ambassador is Meron Reuven, who replaced Prof. Gabriela Shalev temporarily after Netanyahu and Lieberman failed to agree on a candidate.

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