Dov Amitai Re-elected Unanimously for Third Term as Business Sector Chairman

Dov Amitai has been unanimously re-elected for a third term as the Chairman of the Business Sector Presidency in Israel. Amitai, who also serves as the Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Israel, will continue to lead the umbrella organization representing employers and the private sector during both routine and emergency times. The Business Sector Presidency is an umbrella organization for 14 major economic sectors, including the Manufacturers Association, the Israel Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Local Authorities.

Following his re-election, Amitai expressed gratitude for the renewed trust and acknowledged the significant responsibility, especially during a period requiring a transition from crisis management to recovery, growth, and restoring certainty for businesses and citizens. He highlighted the business sector's resilience during three years of war and emphasized the need to foster growth, encourage investment, boost productivity, and establish a stable economic outlook. Amitai suggested that deeper connections with global and regional markets could be a significant growth engine.

Amitai also stressed the national role of the private sector, stating that while politicians address their bases, the economy is where common interests converge. He asserted that the business sector can drive economic recovery, create jobs, and reconnect Israel with the global economy and regional opportunities. Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, Amitai has juggled two complex national tasks. As a fourth-generation farmer from the founding family of Metula, he also served extensive reserve duty in the northern sector, accumulating approximately 600 days as a deputy brigade commander. Concurrently, he led the Presidency through wartime challenges such as labor shortages, widespread employee mobilization, severe damage to businesses in conflict zones, and economic uncertainty, advocating for employers and employees with the government and Knesset.

During his tenure, Amitai spearheaded strategic and legal initiatives to strengthen the economy. These included negotiating expanded compensation packages with the Treasury for businesses affected by the war, establishing a national coordination headquarters for the North in partnership with the Accountant General to support local businesses, and leading legislative changes for employer reimbursement of 20% of social security contributions for reservists. He also secured nationwide agreements to protect reservists and their spouses, increased vacation pay, and facilitated employer compensation for employees absent due to combat. Additionally, he initiated the "Miluim 360" project, a dedicated employment desk for reservists, and actively worked to reduce regulation, oppose growth-hindering tax increases, and improve vocational training.