Transportation Minister Miri Regev Advances Avner Flor to Chair Israel Railways Amid Company Crisis
In the final days before the Knesset's dissolution, Transportation Minister Miri Regev is promoting Avner Flor to become chairman of Israel Railways, according to Globes. The appointments committee approved Flor's position as a company director on Monday; he currently serves as deputy CEO and acting CEO. Flor was appointed last year by the railway's board after a long tenure at the Ministry of Transportation and is considered a close ally of Regev.
Regev previously attempted to appoint her associate Moshe Ben Zaken as ministry CEO, but the civil service appointments committee ruled he lacked sufficient experience. A compromise allowed Ben Zaken to serve as deputy CEO for six months before reconsideration, after which he was confirmed as CEO. During that period, Flor acted as the ministry's de facto CEO, reportedly implementing all of Regev's directives professionally. Flor was then promoted to head of infrastructure administration and later deputy CEO of Israel Railways, now set for a rapid rise to chairman.
Israel Railways, a major government company employing 4,000 workers, is in deep crisis. The current chairman, Moshe Shimoni, moved to Mekorot, and Flor is expected to replace him if the appointment is finalized before elections. Officials describe Flor as a "compliant" chairman unlikely to interfere in daily management, hoping this will attract a strong, independent CEO after two failed recruitment attempts.
The company faces longstanding challenges including a powerful union linked to ministerial offices, a hostile board, political interference, and stalled multi-billion shekel tenders. Service quality and project execution have declined, and the last permanent CEO resigned in July 2023. Since then, the railway has been led by acting CEOs and suffered its worst-ever incident when a cargo load damaged power cables, halting train traffic and risking lives.
Government criticism has mounted over poor service and project delays, with privatization of services proposed in the recent Arrangements Law. Attempts to appoint external CEOs, including Orly Stern of Netivei Ayalon, failed after refusals. Other top executives also declined to join the troubled company. Flor will now face the challenge of leading Israel Railways through this critical period.
