Outgoing Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon on Wednesday morning 12 Shevat 5773 explained he hopes to work to bring foreign investment into Israel. Ayalon was ousted from Yisrael Beitenu by party leader Avigdor Lieberman, admitting if he had the option he would have continued but for now, it appears he will be taking a hiatus from the political arena as a result of Lieberman’s decision to oust him at the last moment, without the possibility of moving to another party.

Ayalon, who is also a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, hopes “the politicians will become leaders”, for he explains this is the real challenge. He feels the share the burden issue must remain high on the incoming government’s agenda along with implementing a change in the form of government in Israel.

Regarding the diplomatic process with the PA (Palestinian Authority), Ayalon feels the new government will have to show some originality for under the current realities, “there is no hope of a final status agreement”.

He adds that if he was given the opportunity, he would work for a long term interim agreement, which admittedly the PA may not accept, but emphasizes the stalemate demands some original thinking if progress is to be made on that front.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)