Valerie Hoffenberg, who serves as a special Mideast envoy for France’s Foreign Ministry has been dismissed from her post for opposing the planned unilateral PA (Palestinian Authority) declaration of statehood planned for later this month.

It appears the move came following a recent meeting in Israel between Hoffenberg and Minister of Regional Development Silvan Shalom, during which she was quoted as saying that while she does not know her government’s official position on the matter she personally opposes a unilateral PA declaration of statehood, but she does favor the creation of a Palestinian state. The statehood however must be achieved through negotiations and agreement she feels.

Hoffenberg told the media that she was planning to leave her post in the coming months to fulfill her political aspirations towards run for a seat in the French Parliament. She explains she would have preferred to leave on her own rather than being dismissed, but she understands the complexities surrounding the Palestinian issue and her government. She acknowledges her statements have created a stir, and have caused discomfort among senior diplomats, resulting in the decision to dismiss her.

Hoffenberg, a Jew, is known political ally of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)