FM Sa'ar: "Our country has always invested many resources in the security sector. Resources must also be directed at the political arm. The Foreign Ministry must be strengthened in decision-making processes and on the front lines of the consciousness battle and the political struggle abroad."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General exchange ceremony took place on Sunday, 17 November 2024 in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar and MFA management and staff.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar: "The State of Israel is engaged in both a military and a political campaign. Each sphere influences the other. Our country has always invested many resources in the security sector. Resources must also be directed at the political arm. The Foreign Ministry must be strengthened in decision-making processes and on the front lines of the consciousness battle and the political struggle abroad. Based on my long-term acquaintance with Adv. Eden Bar-Tal, I am confident in his ability to succeed in the important role of MFA Director-General. For his first task, I have already instructed him to coordinate the preparation of the MFA’s plan for Israel's battle of consciousness around the world in the coming weeks."
Outgoing Director-General Yaakv Blitshtein: I am proud of the MFA personnel who established the space the IDF requires to maintain political legitimacy that enables it to continue the war and constitute a fortified wall against attempts to cause political harm to the State of Israel. Minister Katz has set the return of the abductees as his first priority. I have shared with you that from my first day in office, I start the morning by looking at the picture of the children of the Bibas family. Their image, like the image of the other abductees, is embedded before my eyes. I hope that the mission to return all of our abductees will soon end.
Incoming Director-General Eden Bar-Tal: I thank Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar for his trust in me and for giving me the opportunity to return to public service. The Foreign Ministry is one of the three most important ministries, and in my opinion, the most important. The ministry’s personnel are the source of its strength. I intend to implement the minister's vision of leading the battle of consciousness on the international front. And I repeat the minister's words - let's make the Foreign Ministry great again."