Minister of Homefront Affairs Gilad Erdan has submitted his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, effective December 31, 2014. Colleagues of Erdan praised his decision, which they call atypical for a politician, willingly giving up a cabinet post to stand on principle. Erdan suggests that the prime minister shuts the ministry, which he reports is not functioning as it should.

Erdan has been struggling since assuming office due to ongoing and mounting tensions over jurisdiction of affairs with the Defense Ministry. Erdan decided he can no longer continue in his current capacity, telling the prime minister that he cannot be responsible for the homefront under current realities. Erdan highlights the importance of addressing homefront related issues and the need for clear, well-defined guidelines and areas of responsibility.

The Defense Ministry has not responded to the report. It should be pointed out that Erdan remains a member of the cabinet, since he also serves as minister of communications.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)