Former Israeli Finance Ministry CEO Seeks to Shorten Cooling-Off Period for Antiquities Authority Role

Ilan Rom, who served as Israel's Finance Ministry CEO until three months ago, has requested a reduction in his mandatory cooling-off period to assume the position of Director of the Antiquities Authority. The Heritage Minister, Shmuel Eliyahu, appointed Rom last week after a previous nominee, Esther Shreiber, was disqualified for not meeting the role's criteria. Rom, a former senior Mossad official with archaeological education, is considered a suitable candidate for the post.

Rom's request, submitted to the Jerusalem District Court, reveals that he had planned to leave his Finance Ministry role by January 2026, only eight months after starting. Upon learning of the vacancy at the Antiquities Authority, he expressed interest and began an internal cooling-off process approved by the Finance Ministry legal advisor and the Heritage Ministry. Rom officially left his Finance Ministry post on March 31, with Shreiber's nomination announced on May 12 but later withdrawn on July 6.

In his letter to the selection committee, Rom argues that his candidacy was not part of any prearranged deal, noting that the committee initially chose another candidate. He also downplays his influence as Finance Ministry CEO, citing the short tenure and the ministry's unique structure that limits the CEO's authority, especially over budgetary matters. Rom highlights that he is transitioning to a statutory public body rather than a private company and emphasizes the public nature of the appointment process.

Rom supports his request by citing precedents where former government officials shortened their cooling-off periods to take on public roles, including Ohad Marani, Benjamin Dreyfus, and Shmuel Abuhav. He stresses that the Antiquities Authority, while not the state itself, closely aligns with state functions under the law and its objectives.

If approved, Rom aims to start his new role in early August, shortening the standard cooling-off period that would otherwise delay his appointment.