Though President Rivlin declared the cultural assets should stay in Israel, a lawyer for the foundation that supports the museum still insists Sotheby's sale would be best outcome

Foundation intervenes on eve of multi-million-dollar London auction, citing 'respect for the president,' who had panned the move as a loss to Israel and the region

Citing financial pressures, the museum has turned to Sotheby's to auction duplicates and storage items, as well as 60 timepieces from its storied watch collection

Citing financial pressures, the museum turns to Sotheby's to sell duplicates and storage items, as well as 60 timepieces from its storied watch collection