Political Influence Deepens at Hadassah Hospital Amid Controversy Over Appointments and Patient Prioritization

In July 2026, Israel's Knesset Health Committee approved legislation benefiting Hadassah Medical Center with an annual funding increase of approximately 40 million shekels. This move surprised Treasury officials and public hospital managers, revealing a political takeover within the institution that has received 1.5 billion shekels over the past decade to avoid collapse. The hospital, founded nearly a century ago by the Hadassah Women's Organization and a renowned medical center in Jerusalem, has recently seen unprecedented political infiltration.

The political influence began in March 2021 when Audrey Shmaron, chair of the Hadassah Women's Organization and a relative of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pushed for the appointment of politician Dalia Itzik as the hospital's chairperson. Itzik, a former Knesset speaker and minister, secured support from Shas and Likud ministers despite Treasury opposition. She replaced the hospital's longtime CEO with Professor Yoram Weiss and focused on politically motivated appointments, including hiring Noa Mozes, daughter of media figure Tami Mozes-Borovitz, without a tender.

Hadassah also employed several former Netanyahu advisors, such as communications consultant Ofer Golan and fundraising head Senny Senilevich. Another key figure is Ariel Bar-On, a former Likud youth activist appointed by Itzik as chief of staff without a tender. Bar-On allegedly facilitated preferential medical appointments for political affiliates, accelerating access to MRIs, surgeries, and treatments while ordinary patients faced long waits.

The hospital's close ties to Netanyahu extend to Professor Alon Piekarski, Hadassah's head surgeon and Netanyahu's personal doctor during his prostate cancer treatment. Piekarski's status rose with appointments to the national drug basket committee and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' board, recommended by Minister Dudi Amsalem. His wife, Professor Liat Applebaum, also received a departmental leadership role after internal opposition to her appointment. Piekarski has faced sexual harassment allegations, which the hospital administration dismissed as conflicting accounts.

Political control intensified during the "White Coats Protest" against judicial reforms, with hospital management and pro-government doctors working to suppress the demonstrations. Despite internal warnings against politicization, the influence remains entrenched. Hadassah's management thanked Shas leader Aryeh Deri for his cooperation following the committee's approval, underscoring the political nature of recent developments.

Hadassah's administration dismissed the reports as baseless gossip and defended their achievements and staff excellence. Key figures like Itzik and Piekarski denied wrongdoing, emphasizing their professional contributions. However, many doctors and patients view these events as damaging the hospital's reputation and public trust.