Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu thanked Quartet Mideast envoy Tony Blair, who has announced he will be stepping down from his post next month. The Quartet is composed of the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia.

“In recent years Tony Blair has made great efforts to advance stability and peace in the region. His deep understanding of the Middle East helped him to develop a reliable network of contacts with heads of state in the region. Tony Blair worked to advance important economic projects between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

“Many times his understanding helped him to bridge gaps between the positions of the sides in the region including in times of crisis. Israel appreciates and esteems his work and his determination. I hope that in the future as well he will be able to continue contributing from his experience on behalf of regional peace and stability.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)