(Haaretz). Israel's ambassador to the United States Sallai Meridor announced this week his intention to step down from the top diplomatic post in the near future, it emerged Thursday.
Meridor informed outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision.
"I wish to thank the prime minister, the foreign minister and the outgoing government for granting me the privilege to serve Israel in a most vital and central position during a challenging and sensitive period," the envoy said in a statement.
News of the announcement came after Haaretz reported Thursday that Netanyahu sidelined Meridor Wednesday, asking him to leave the room during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Jerusalem.
