Controversy Surrounds Invitation Issue at World Postal Conference in Saudi Arabia
Communications Minister Shlomo Karai has found himself embroiled in a scandal following reports that a representative from Israel Post was not invited to the World Postal Conference, currently being held in Saudi Arabia. The Israeli delegation at the conference has been dominated by officials from the Ministry of Communications or advisers to Minister Karai, leading to claims of favoritism.
Economic commentator Matan Khodrov, speaking on News 13, highlighted the unusual nature of the situation. He suggested that Minister Karai’s strained relationship with Mishal Vakanin, the chairman of the company he tried to remove, may be influencing the decision. Informants familiar with the industry believe that this decision does not serve the post office’s interests objectively.
Minister Karai responded to the controversy by stating that the invitation issue was a result of dialogue between the Foreign Relations Department of the Ministry of Communications and the Postal Service. According to Karai, the decision was made not to send representatives but to participate remotely. He argued that the conference primarily focuses on the entry of private entities into the global organization, and the post office is just one company among many. Karai emphasized that the regulator, not a specific company, is the one involved in regulating the market.
He also emphasized that he was personally invited to the conference and clarified that the Israeli delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Communications who deal with postal matters regularly.
Karai criticized Khodrov for not seeking more information before making assumptions, stating that the document presented only determines who can vote on behalf of the Israeli government, not the delegation’s participation. He dismissed Khodrov’s claims as mere propaganda.
In response, Khodrov thanked Minister Karai for the response but disregarded the verbal slanders directed towards him. He focused on the conflicting claims made by Minister Karai and Israel Post regarding the invitation. Khodrov questioned Minister Karai’s judgment, suggesting that traveling to the postal congress without ensuring the inclusion of postmasters in the delegation goes against business and professional standards expected from the Minister of Communications.
The controversy has raised doubts about the transparency and impartiality of the Israeli delegation’s selection process for the World Postal Conference. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Minister Karai’s justifications will appease the critics or if further action will be taken to address the invitation issue.