Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s communications head, Yossi Gal, resigned on Monday, as the exodus from the Sharon’s office continues at a rapid pace, reported the Jerusalem Post newspaper.
Gal's is the fourth high-level resignation since Sharon took office in March, following director general Rafi Peled, chief economic adviser Gabi Fishman, and spokeswoman Odelia Carmon - the latter leaving just last week.
Sharon’s office issued a statement saying that Gal informed Sharon that he was unable to continue to serve as director of the press and information division. Sharon said that he regretted the decision, thanked Gal, and wished him well.
Despite the wave of resignations, Sharon said on Monday that "the bureau works. If, from time to time, there is someone who needs to be switched, or who wants to leave, so he leaves. What is the big problem?"
One government official in close contact with the prime minister's communications apparatus, said that Gal was "neutralized" and not brought into Sharon's inner circle, which is widely believed to be made up of three men - his bureau chief Uri Shani, his son Omri, and his foreign media spokesmen Ra'anan Gissin.
"Gal was brought in from the outside, and never penetrated this circle," the source said.
Carmon also reportedly resigned because of a power struggle with Shani and Omri Sharon.
Gal, 50, a career diplomat who last served as ambassador to Holland, is expected to return to the foreign ministry, said the paper – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
