Moshe Mor Yosef Blocked From Appointment as CEO of Community Centers Company

Moshe Mor Yosef, associated with the Shas party and currently deputy CEO of the Ministry of Interior, has been disqualified from becoming CEO of the Community Centers Company. This decision was made by the Government Companies Appointment Committee after reviewing all relevant materials. The appointment had sparked a political dispute between David Amsalem and Aryeh Deri, both prominent Shas figures.

Concerns about Mor Yosef's appointment were raised over three months ago when the Movement for Quality Government requested a careful review due to his political ties. They cited a 2020 State Comptroller report highlighting that candidates must have senior public management experience in a large-scale corporation, a criterion Mor Yosef allegedly does not meet. Specifically, his experience managing budgets was questioned, as the Community Centers Company handles an annual budget of approximately 160 million shekels, while Mor Yosef's previous budget management was estimated at around 20 million shekels. Despite these concerns, the selection committee initially approved his candidacy.

However, the Government Companies Authority ultimately rejected the appointment. The search for a new CEO is now reopening, with Galit Widerman, deputy director of the Government Companies Authority and the committee's second choice, emerging as a leading candidate. Widerman has extensive government experience, including roles in labor relations, appointments, and senior management evaluations, and previously served as Commissioner of Civil Service for local government bodies.

This development follows ongoing efforts to consolidate government companies and reduce the number of senior public sector positions. The controversy underscores the scrutiny applied to political appointments in government-affiliated companies.