Ex-Digital Chief Blasts Politicization, Incompetence in Public Service

Shira Lev Ami, the former head of the National Digital Directorate, has broken her silence following the decision not to extend her tenure, asserting that the move was politically motivated rather than based on professional grounds. Lev Ami, who served for four years, claims her dismissal is part of a broader trend of weakening the public service through political interference, high turnover of senior officials, and a disregard for professionalism. She argues that the government's primary failing is not a lack of capability but a structural deficiency in inter-ministerial coordination, a problem starkly exposed during the recent war.

In her first interview since leaving her post in May, Lev Ami revealed she has written a novel set during the early days of the Swords of Iron War, which explores these very issues. The book features a fictional national civilian emergency management agency that struggles to address the needs of evacuees and families left behind, highlighting the functional gaps between the government and the reality on the ground. Lev Ami stated that while the book is a novel, it reflects the dire reality of October 7th, where public civilian systems failed, and private entities had to step in to provide essential services.

Lev Ami detailed how the National Digital Directorate, despite entering the war with limited infrastructure, developed crucial systems like "Yachad" to connect government bodies handling evacuees and "Emun" to consolidate emergency information. These systems, she noted, improved the response to subsequent escalations. She also highlighted achievements during her tenure, including the development of the government's personal area for citizens, digital accessibility laws, and the national identification system.

She recounted her experience as one of the few women remaining at the top of government ministries, noting a decline in collaborative forums and an increase in power struggles. Lev Ami also addressed Minister Nir Barkat's claims of underperformance, disputing them and stating that her achievements, such as exceeding targets for the personal area and digital business licensing, speak for themselves. She believes the decision not to extend her term was made for non-professional reasons, possibly related to an earlier attempt to move the Directorate to the Prime Minister's Office.

In response, Minister Barkat's office stated that the decision was based solely on professional grounds, citing deep gaps in core projects, serial absences from discussions, and complaints of an abusive work environment. They maintained that the decision was made legally, as her term was fixed at four years, and that evaluating performance and refreshing leadership at the end of a term is healthy for an organization.