Moti Gamish Steps Down as Israel's Economy Ministry CEO, Expected to Support Nir Barkat in Likud Primaries

Moti Gamish concluded his tenure as CEO of Israel's Ministry of Economy after serving for just one year and ten months. Reports suggest that Gamish plans to assist Economy Minister Nir Barkat in the upcoming Likud party primaries. Gamish is the second CEO to leave the ministry during Barkat's term; two years ago, Amnon Merhav resigned and was recently appointed CEO of the Standards Institute.

In a tweet, Barkat expressed appreciation for Gamish, calling him a "true anchor and partner" and noted their 24-year collaboration, affirming that their close working relationship will continue in future endeavors. Prior to his CEO role, Gamish held senior positions including deputy CEO at Ariel and Zol U'Biglal, CEO of Radio Jerusalem and Liam Productions, and director roles at El Al, Maman, Aura, and Brit.

Gamish began his political career working with Barkat as a field coordinator for the "Jerusalem Will Succeed" party. Between 2004 and 2005, he advised Infrastructure Minister Fuad Ben-Eliezer, later joining Kadima as advisor and chief of staff to Dalia Itzik during her tenure as Knesset Speaker. In January 2023, he became chief of staff to Minister Barkat and was promoted to deputy CEO three months later.

During his leadership, Gamish spearheaded initiatives such as bringing foreign workers into the commerce and services sectors to address severe labor shortages following the October 7 terror attack, which halted Palestinian workers' entry into Israel. He also led the controversial "Israel Basket" project, organizing a tender among supermarket chains to sell 100 discounted products funded by a 50 million shekel public campaign. Only Carrefour participated, but it sells discounted items in only about one-third of its branches.