Tourism Minister (Yisrael Beitenu) Stas Misezhnikov has sent a letter to Defense Minister (Labor) Ehud Barak calling upon him to censure Brig.-General Alon Friedman, who in an interview with the Times of London spoke of mounting concerns of a nearing conflict along the northern border. The minister explained such irresponsible statements undermine efforts to bring tourists to the north and they are extremely ill-timed, in the heart of tourist season.

Misezhnikov explained that this year alone, NIS 12 million was spent towards promoting tourism in Israel, rejecting such statements even though they are intended for Brits, explaining the damage is immediate, placing doubt in many potential tourists who may opt to be safe and spend their tourism dollars elsewhere.

The minister added such matters are best discussed in the appropriate forum, not in the media, foreign or otherwise.

Defense Ministry officials report the minister has not yet had a chance to review the letter and after he does, an appropriate response will be forthcoming.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)