Uzi Arad quits National Security Council
Prime minister announces national security advisor has asked to end his term, says he is reviewing an overseas capacity for him together with Foreign Minister Lieberman, who blocked Arad's appointment as London ambassador
Uzi Arad has requested to end his term as National Security Council head, the Prime Minister's Office announced Sunday. Arad, who was been linked to many disputes in the PM's Office over the last two years, will apparently be sent overseas for a diplomatic post after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman failed to agree on the matter.
"Uzi Arad asked to be relieved at the end of the second year of his term," a statement on behalf of the PM's Office said. "In light of his skills and international connections I offered to send him to represent Israel in a diplomatic capacity overseas and this is currently being reviewed with the foreign minister."
Last week, Netanyahu announced that Arad will be appointed Israel's ambassador to London but the appointment was blocked by Lieberman.
The foreign minister accused Netanyahu of leaking the UN and London envoys appointments, but it was later revealed that the prime minister was not behind the move. Following the incident, Lieberman expressed anger at Netanyahu's conduct but noted he has no intentions of quarrelling with him.
Arad had asked Netanyahu to be relived of his duties in order to return to the academic arena but the latter offered him to serve the country overseas. "Dr. Arad served alongside me several times in senior positions in the foreign relations and security fields: In my first term as a political advisor, and in my current term as national security advisor," Netanyahu said.
"Uzi elevated the National Security Council to the highest level. He brought with him exceptional capabilities to all his positions and has greatly contributed to Israel's security and status.
"I am the only one who knows the extent of his contribution, and I thank him for it. Uzi is also a close friend of mine. I am confident he shall succeed in any role he is called to – whether it be in the academic world or in public service," Netanyahu's statement noted.
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