After reports of firing, PMO says Netanyahu spokesman will ’embark on new path’

Omer Dostri, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson for the past year, has notified the premier that he will leave his position, the Prime Minister’s Office announces.

Dostri “has informed the Prime Minister of his intention to end his role and embark on a new path,” according to the PMO.

The statement follows Hebrew media reports that Dostri was fired by the premier, just before his departure to Washington tomorrow.

The PMO praises Dostri’s work “during one of the most turbulent and complex years…amid a multi-front war,” saying Netanyahu thanks Dostri “for his principled, dedicated, and professional work…in one of the most challenging and complex periods Israel has ever known.”

Dostri says he “had the opportunity to see up close how the prime minister makes fateful decisions for Israel and the entire Jewish people,” and that he is “confident that Prime Minister Netanyahu will continue to steer Israel safely toward a bright future,” the statement adds.

Earlier. Channel 13 reported that Dostri was being removed because of a series of conflicts with the prime minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, though sources close to Netanyahu later denied this, saying the move stems from the premier’s view that Dostri is inexperienced and incompetent.