Finance Ministry Budget Chief Picks Internal Deputy, Easing Fears of Outside Appointment

Rotem Bramli has been appointed deputy director of the Budget Division at Israel’s Finance Ministry, replacing Kfir Batta, who left the post in practice several weeks ago. Bramli will serve as one of the deputies to Budget Director Meirav Praznsfer and will oversee the economic team, which handles high-profile issues such as compensation schemes, daycare subsidies, Israel’s high-tech sector, and, more recently, ultra-Orthodox enlistment.

Bramli rose through the Budget Division and is currently the transportation coordinator; before that, he worked on real estate matters. His selection relieved many in the division, after Praznsfer delayed the appointment and there were concerns he might bring in someone from outside for such a sensitive role.

Praznsfer has made no secret of his belief that the Budget Division needs major change, in both size and mindset, a stance that helped Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich choose him for the job. Since he took office, relations inside the division have become tense, especially after reports he wanted to appoint two more deputies, one for artificial intelligence and one for strategy. He told mid-level staff at first that the decision was final, then suspended it.

According to sources cited by Calcalist, Praznsfer knows there is internal discomfort over his management style and professional views. He sees much of the unease as personal, but also accepts responsibility for improving the atmosphere. Choosing Bramli from within, rather than appointing an outsider, was meant to signal that he is listening, though the article says it is unlikely to eliminate deeper cultural and professional divides between Praznsfer and the staff. The division also lacks permanent appointments for three other deputy heads, Tamar Levi-Bona, Shira Amiel and Yael Lindenberg, all currently serving in acting roles, while the post itself is supposed to be filled through a formal tender.