After some 30 years as a member of the Settlement Council, Pinchas Wallerstein on Monday announced he is stepping down as the executive director, in no small part due to his inability to carry out the responsibilities of his position.

Speaking with Reshet Bet Radio on Monday, Wallerstein explained the decision. “There is not a single reason that compelled the decision, working in the council for many years towards advancing the philosophy in which I believe”. He attributed the decision to a number of “nuances” that exist today under the leadership of director-general Danny Dayan, stating there is a void, and the council today is not fulfilling its responsibilities in a number of areas. Wallerstein spoke of the “trauma” endured as a result of the expulsion from Gush Katif in 2005 and the need to continue leading during a crisis situation, intimating today, this is not the case.

“I think the Settlement Council is not stating what it should” he added, stressing the controversy around insubordination in the IDF, rejecting any attempt to place such decisions on the shoulders of individual soldiers, calling for unity in the IDF and to reject any attempt towards endorsing insubordination. He is concerned over the council’s continued silence on the issue, when he (Wallerstein), a disabled IDF veteran, feels the council should come out loud and clear with a policy statement against any form of insubordination.

Wallerstein explained at the end of the day a soldier must live with himself and if there is an order he cannot fulfill, then he can refuse and live with the consequences, but that is not the same as supporting a policy of insubordination.

Wallerstein commends some of the actions of the council, but feels that during the current crisis situation, the council seems to lack direction and leadership.

Following the news of Wallerstein’s resignation on Monday morning, Danny Dayan released a statement, thanking Wallerstein for his years of service, adding he literally built much of Yesha with his own hands, and is held in high regard by all. Dayan stressed that he and Wallerstein maintain a good working relationship and after the storm blows over, he is certain they will work together again.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)