Netanyahu Withdraws Support for Akunis, Backs Eli Hazan for Jewish National Fund Role

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unexpectedly withdrawn his support for former minister and current Israeli consul general in New York, Ophir Akunis, for the chairmanship of Keren Hayesod. According to ynet, Netanyahu is now backing Eli Hazan, Israel's former ambassador to Singapore, and has presented him as his new leading candidate for the prestigious post.

Hazan recently completed his term in Singapore and had also been seen as Netanyahu's preferred choice to head the Government Press Office. He is now being elevated to the Keren Hayesod position instead.

The move comes amid a prolonged deadlock in Keren Hayesod's search committee, which has delayed the appointment process. The 12-member committee is split evenly between six representatives from the Jewish diaspora and six from Israel. The overseas delegates unanimously supported Akunis, while the Israeli delegates remained divided, stalling the process and prompting Netanyahu to reconsider.

Sources involved in the matter said former Likud MK Osnat Mark played a behind-the-scenes role in the shift. They claim she wants the role of Keren Hayesod CEO and feared Akunis would not appoint her if he won. According to these sources, she pressed Netanyahu to switch his backing to Hazan in order to improve her chances of joining the organization's leadership.