Ori Yogev, the chairman of the advisory committee to the National Economic Council in the Prime Minister's Office, says he will be stepping down to concentrate on developing his private enterprises at Whitewater, Calcalist reported Tuesday.
Yogev, considered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associate and confidant, was appointed chairman of the advisory committee one year ago. At the time, Netanyahu and Yogev agreed that the position would be temporary and voluntary.
The National Economic Council, established four years ago by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ,gathers recommendations on various macro-economic and social issues. It is headed by Professor Eugene Kandel, who was appointed last year in place of Professor Manuel Trajtenberg.
In announcing his resignation, Yogev explained that Israel has become a leading player in the global water industry and that he was stepping down because his undivided attention, as well as that of other managers in the group, is required to increase the company's activity.