Business Sector Chairman Dov Amitai Reelected for Third Term

Dov Amitai was unanimously elected on Tuesday for a third term as Chairman of the Presidium of the Business Sector in Israel. The Presidium represents 14 economic sectors and serves as an umbrella organization for businesses in Israel, including major industry associations like the Manufacturers Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Local Authorities. Amitai, who also chairs the Farmers' Association, expressed gratitude for the renewed trust and acknowledged the significant responsibility, especially during a period requiring the economy to shift from crisis management to recovery, growth, and restoring certainty for businesses and citizens. He emphasized the business sector's resilience over the past three years of conflict, highlighting its ability to keep the economy moving under challenging conditions. Amitai stated that the focus now must be on generating growth, encouraging investment, increasing productivity, and establishing a stable economic outlook. He believes deeper integration with global markets and regional partners can be a significant growth engine for Israel in the coming years.

Amitai criticized politicians for speaking only to their bases, asserting that the economy is where common interests converge. He positioned the business sector as the engine capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and reconnecting Israel with the global economy and emerging regional opportunities, warning against being overlooked in significant ongoing developments. Since the October 7th war, Amitai has juggled two complex national tasks: extensive reserve duty in the northern sector and leading the business sector through one of Israel's most difficult economic periods. He has been actively engaged with the government to address the needs of employers and employees, mitigate damage to businesses, and maintain economic continuity amidst widespread reserve duty, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty. Simultaneously, Amitai has served approximately 600 days in reserve duty as deputy commander of a brigade in the Northern Command, continuing to lead the Presidium's activities from the front lines and bridging the gap between field needs and wartime economic challenges. Amitai, a retired Colonel, hails from a farming family and is a fourth-generation resident of Metula.