Edited by: TJVNews.com

Israel’s Consul General in New York, Asaf Zamir, announced on Sunday his resignation in protest over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant who publicly criticized the judicial reform bill in the Knesset.

 “Today’s dangerous decision to fire the minister of defense, convinced me that I can no longer continue representing this government. I have become increasingly concerned with the policies of the new government, and in particular, the judicial reform it is leading,” Zamir wrote on Twitter.

He added: “This is a pivotal moment in Israel’s history… I believe that it is now time for me to take action and join the fight for Israel’s future alongside fellow citizens as we work together to build a better, more just and more equal Israel.”

Zamir said his resignation should not be perceived in any way as a rejection of Israel or its people. “As a proud Israeli citizen, I believe it is my duty to ensure that Israel remains a beacon of democracy and freedom in the world.”

His resignation comes amid ongoing protests that saw tens of thousands of Israelis rally in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem after protest leaders called for a demonstration Sunday night following the firing of Galant.

Earlier, Netanyahu’s office announced Gallant’s dismissal. The dismissed defense chief had on Saturday publicly criticized the government’s controversial reforms of the judicial system as presenting a danger to state security in light of the widespread protests within the rank and file of the Israel Defense Forces.

“Asaf Zamir should never have been appointed nor should he have accepted the position of Israeli Consul General in New York City, “ said David Ben Hooren, the publisher of The Jewish Voice in New York.  “Zamir severely lacked the requisite qualifications for the position of Consul General of Israel in New York. Rather than devoting himself to the detailed and laborious work that is endemic to such an important position, he preferred engaging in the New York City nightlife scene. He spent his time at every party he was invited to and frequented every nightclub in the city. Representing Israel in New York in a diplomatic capacity requires long hours and lots of complex tasks. It is quite clear that Zamir was not up to this job, “ Ben Hooren added.