Netanyahu Faces Political Turmoil Over Government Company Appointments Ahead of Elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is navigating a contentious period of government appointments amid the election season, with legal advisor Gali Baharav-Miara urging restraint on non-essential government decisions. Despite this, Netanyahu has recently appointed key security officials including the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, and attempted to appoint his legal advisor Michael Regev as State Comptroller, a move that failed due to political opposition. As a result, Israel has been without a State Comptroller since early July, following the retirement of Matanyahu Englman.
The appointment deadlock extends to major government companies, where political maneuvering has led to a series of leadership changes. Doron Arbel, chairman of the Israel Electric Corporation, declined a move to Mekorot, leading to a reshuffle where Moshe Shimoni left his role at Israel Railways to chair Mekorot, with Danny Sofer as acting CEO. Israel Railways remains without a permanent CEO after Yaakov Marziano was disqualified by the appointments committee. Avner Flor, a close associate of Transportation Minister Miri Regev, was recently appointed chairman of Israel Railways.
Other notable political appointments include Tamir Aidan, a veteran Likud member, named chairman of Amidar housing company, succeeding Yair Zilberstein. However, the appointment of the chairman of Israel Aerospace Industries has been fraught with conflict between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Minister Dudi Amsalem, resulting in Boaz Levy's selection after failed attempts to appoint Gilad Erdan or Silvan Shalom.
Significant public institutions remain without permanent leadership, including the National Insurance Institute, vacant since November 2022, and the State Comptroller's office. Meanwhile, Yuval Steinitz, chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, secured a three-year term extension until 2029, unless he returns to politics. The ongoing political struggles and tight timelines highlight the challenges Netanyahu faces in consolidating control over key government bodies before the elections.
