Smotrich Secures Key West Bank Civilian Posts Without Public Tender Ahead of Elections

Finance and Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich is consolidating his control over key civilian administrative roles in the West Bank ahead of upcoming elections. On July 15, the Civil Service Commission, chaired by Doron Cohen, unanimously approved two decisions affecting positions under Smotrich's authority in the Defense Ministry. First, the commission exempted the appointment of the Head of the Settlement Administration from a public tender process. Previously, Yehuda Eliyahu, a close associate of Smotrich and former CEO of the Regavim movement and Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, held this post since February 2023. Eliyahu recently became acting Director of the Israel Land Authority and had his appointment extended by three months. Despite the approaching elections, the commission recommended bypassing a public tender for the Settlement Administration head, subject to suitability and qualifications checks by an appointments committee led by the Civil Service Commissioner and two public representatives appointed by the Prime Minister. This arrangement opens the door for political appointments.

The second decision concerns the Deputy Head of the Civil Administration. Hillel Rot was appointed to this role in May 2024 with a temporary four-year term. The commission approved extending Rot's tenure by an additional two years, allowing him to serve a total of six years. Furthermore, the commission decided to convert this position from temporary to permanent for future holders. These moves come amid significant personnel changes in the region's security leadership, including the departure of Brigadier General Hesham Ibrahim, the outgoing head of the military Civil Administration, who is transitioning to serve as the Defense Minister's military secretary. Smotrich's maneuvers effectively strengthen his influence during this transitional period. The Defense Ministry declined to comment, and Smotrich did not respond to inquiries. The Civil Service Commission clarified that the Settlement Administration was established as a temporary entity for four years, with its head appointed without a tender following ministerial and committee recommendations. The Deputy Head position was publicly advertised and filled through a rigorous selection process. The recent decisions aim to balance system needs with functional continuity during this critical time.