Foreign Ministry forced to delay envoy appointment

Nominations' committee's choice for new ambassador to Rome comes into question when female employee claims it fails to adhere to legal guidelines favoring women

Ronen Medzini|Published: 08.09.11 , 00:35

The Foreign Ministry's nomination for Israel's new ambassador to Italy has stirred up a frenzy in the Diplomatic Corp, as the ministry's nominations' committee's ethics has been called into question.

Ynet learned Monday that the appointment of Naor Gilon to the coveted Rome post has been suspended following a petition filed by a senior female ministry employee – who was also in the running – claiming Gilon's choice was gender-biased.

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The women claimed she was more professionally suited for the post than Gilon, and that her seniority and experience exceeded his.

She also claimed that the Israeli law favors women for tender-based State positions – when all of the candidates present equal professional footing.

These stipulations were brought before the nominations' committee, which still saw a majority vote in favor of Gilon.

Following the woman's complaint, the Civil Service Commission decided to suspend the nomination and investigate her claims.

Gilon, a 22-year veteran of the Foreign Ministry, currently heads its Western Europe division. He is considered a close associate of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, and at one time served as his chief political advisor.

Gilon's supporters dismissed the claims, saying he was the most qualified person for the position.

The cabinet was set to approve his nomination to one of the Diplomatic Corp's most prestigious positions on Sunday.

"The Civil Service Commission was presented with reservations as to the nominations' committee at a time too close to the cabinet's vote on the matter, which impeded their proper review. It was therefore decided by the Commission and the Foreign Ministry, to suspend the decision pending further review," a Civil Service statement said.

The new ambassador to Rome will replace Ambassador Gideon Meir, whose five-year post is nearing its end.