The Most Needed Role - Foreign Minister
An opinion piece by Avi Shilon arguing that Netanyahu's governments have turned the position of Foreign Minister into a joke, analyzing the history of the role from the early days of the state to the present. The author calls for restoring the position's prestige and appointing a person with political wisdom and diplomatic skills who can advance agreements and wisely handle criticism, instead of aggressive responses.
An opinion piece by Avi Shilon arguing that Netanyahu's governments have turned the position of Foreign Minister into a joke. The author reviews the history of the role from the early days of the state: Moshe Sharett, Golda Meir, and Abba Eban were dominant; Menachem Begin appointed Moshe Dayan, who was a crucial part of the peace agreement with Egypt; Shimon Peres brought the London Agreement as Foreign Minister under Shamir; David Levi used the role as a springboard to the premiership. Shilon notes that Netanyahu did not appoint a Foreign Minister for two years (2017-2019), and afterward the role became a consolation prize shared by Israel Katz and Eli Cohen in rotation. Recently, the position went to Gideon Sa'ar to persuade him to join the Likud. The author argues that the dismissive political use of the Foreign Ministry, including failed ambassadorial appointments, is one of the reasons for the low point in Israel's status. He calls for appointing a Foreign Minister with political wisdom and diplomatic skills who will advance agreements instead of responding with childish aggression.