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Gideon Sitterman, Director General of the Ministry of Transport informed the new Minister of Transport, Yisrael Katz of his decision to quit his post after three years of service.  Sitterman will remain in charge until a permanent replacement has been appointed.

The Ministry of Transport announced that Sitterman will for the present assist Minister Katz during the handover period and will instruct him on all matters relating to the ministry.  Following a request from Katz, the outgoing director general will also act as a special advisor on all matters relating to transportation.

Sitterman said “About three years ago I responded to the request from outgoing Minister of Transport, Shaul Mofaz to serve as director general of the Ministry. I saw it as my public duty and national service after many years working in the private sector.”  He added that he was leaving his role with a feeling of pride and satisfaction after a long period of intense and diverse activity with many accomplishments.  “I am confident that the legacy of teamwork, integration and long term planning that we have brought about in all branches of transportation, will be preserved and strengthened under the leadership of the new incoming Minister of Transport, Yisrael Katz.”

Under the tenure of the outgoing Minister of Transport, Shaul Mofaz, Sitterman helped to carry through the ‘open skies’ agreement to completion.  This was something that brought him into frequent dispute with national carrier El Al.  On the recommendation of the Israel Airports Authority, Sitterman lead the attempts to increase landing fees for airlines at Ben Gurion Airport and managed to increase the airport tax for passengers from $13 to $21.  During his time in charge the FAA downgraded the safety status of Israel from the top level to that of a 3rd world country.

Sitterman said that during his years of activity, under Mofaz’s leadership, he had enjoyed full support and exceptional cooperation. This cooperation had allowed everyone connected to the ministry to move forward and achieve the targets of the Ministry of Transport, benefiting the public and the economy.  Sitterman’s replacement is yet to be announced.

The incoming minister of transport, Yisrael Katz on receiving notification of Sitterman’s resignation, thanked him for his dedicated work for the ministry over the past few years.