Avner Flor and Avi Haliva Appointed to Lead Israel Railways and Metro Authority

Two key appointments have been made in Israel's transportation sector. Avner Flor, acting CEO of Israel Railways and a close associate of Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli, is set to become the chairman of Israel Railways. This appointment grants Flor significant influence over the company, which has operated without a permanent CEO for a year. The committee approved Flor's position as a director today, following his years of service alongside Michaeli at the Ministry of Transportation. He will replace Moshe Shimoni, who recently became chairman of Mekorot. Meanwhile, the search for a permanent CEO for Israel Railways continues after a previous tender failed to produce a suitable candidate.

Concurrently, a selection committee including the Ministry of Transportation's CEO chose Avi Haliva, currently head of the senior division for government offices and affiliated units at the Civil Service Commission, as chairman of the Metro Authority. This appointment requires government approval but is not expected to face obstacles. Since Uzi Yitzhaki resigned amid controversy after only five months, the Metro Authority has remained largely inactive with just three employees.

The Metro Authority serves as the regulator and top manager of Israel's largest and most complex infrastructure project, responsible for planning the metro network, coordinating among numerous local authorities and infrastructure bodies, removing bureaucratic barriers, and managing the project's substantial budget. To realize this ambitious project, expanding the authority's professional staff, including engineers, lawyers, project managers, and financial experts, is critical. Increasing staffing and granting operational independence are essential to prevent multi-year delays, save billions in public funds, and ensure efficient management that will ultimately transform Israel's transportation and economy. With Haliva's appointment, the National Infrastructures, Energy and Water Corp (NTA) hopes to recruit top-tier professionals to advance the massive metro construction project.