Report: Erdan wrapping up tenure after finance official refused request for additional US residence

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan is wrapping up his tenure in New York and will not serve as Washington envoy after his request for an additional official residence in New York was refused, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The outlet says the accountant general refused Erdan’s request for an official apartment in New York in addition to the residence in Washington, at an estimated cost to the state of about one million shekels per year (approximately $270,000).

The report says that Erdan requested the apartment so that he could be near his children who are studying in New York, and the request was backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

However the accountant general refused, saying that it was a large expense that should not come from state coffers.

An official close to Netanyahu tells Kan: “One official foils the most senior and important appointment in a time of war.”

Kan reports that the UN post may go to Likud MK Danny Danon, who has previously served in the role.

Netanyahu’s office said Friday that the premier offered Erdan the option of staying in the US and becoming Israel’s ambassador in Washington — a post he held for a year simultaneously with his role at the UN — but the former Likud minister declined.

The Prime Minister’s Office said Erdan cited family considerations, noting that Erdan has two children who will be enlisting in the IDF in the coming year.

Netanyahu has reportedly decided not to extend the tenure of Israel’s current ambassador to Washington Michael Herzog.  The prime minister reportedly blamed Herzog for not doing enough to secure Netanyahu an invitation to the White House last year.