Israel's top diplomat Dore Gold quits for 'personal reasons'
Israel's top diplomat, Dore Gold, resigned in a surprise move on Thursday, citing "personal reasons" for leaving the post just 17 months after his appointment as director-general of the foreign ministry.
The right-wing academic had been a long-term, off-and-on adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before being named director-general.
"As in the past, I will make myself available to the prime minister's needs in any capacity he sees fit," Gold said in a statement announcing his resignation, noting a 25-year-old professional relationship with Netanyahu.
Gold, who was born in the US, had been tasked by Netanyahu, who also holds the post of foreign minister, with improving relations with African countries.
Last year, he officiated at the reopening of Israel's embassy in Cairo, based in its ambassador's residence.
Gold, a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, had also been at the forefront of Israel's efforts to engage more openly with Sunni Muslim states in the region, particularly when it came to shared opposition towards the US-led deal on Iran's nuclear programme.
"I thank Dr Dore Gold for his great contribution towards strengthening Israel's diplomatic ties in the world, including in Africa and the Middle East," Netanyahu said in statement.
No replacement was immediately announced.
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