Ex-Lawmakers Secure Lucrative Public Sector Jobs Despite Criticism

Dozens of former Israeli Knesset members who lost their seats are finding lucrative positions in government and quasi-government companies, a practice that draws criticism for its lack of justification and potential for cronyism. These individuals, often having spent their terms engaged in political infighting and enjoying perks like free travel and subsidized meals, now face the reality of unemployment and rising living costs. However, the article argues against pitying them, highlighting that a significant advantage over the average citizen is the abundance of well-paying public sector jobs awaiting them.

These positions are available in entities managing billions in public funds, such as KKL-JNF, where Dani Atar served as chairman, and the Jewish Agency, which has seen figures like Isaac Herzog, Natan Sharansky, and Avraham Burg pass through its leadership. Other examples include Hadassah Medical Center, where Dalia Itzik recently stepped down as chairwoman, and the defense company Rafael, now led by Yuval Steinitz. The article notes this is just a small sample of the opportunities available.

Further examples of former lawmakers securing high-profile roles include Yifat Shasha-Biton, chairwoman of Hamashbir and a director at real estate firms, and Rabbi Yitzhak Levy, a director at El Al. The article also points to generals like Ehud Barak being hired by companies like Intercure, and even a former president, Rubi Rivlin, who was recruited by Electraon after his term. The piece suggests that these "Knesset escapees" are not to be pitied due to these readily available, comfortable career paths.

Separately, the article discusses a paradox in the performance ratings of the Dan bus company. While Dan ranks low among major operators in operational control tests, it receives a high satisfaction score from passengers in a Ministry of Transport survey. This discrepancy is attributed to the difference between operational metrics, which passengers may not directly experience, and the actual passenger travel experience. Dan's operational challenges are exacerbated by heavy traffic and infrastructure work in the Tel Aviv area. The Ministry of Transport plans to adjust its rating system to account for the complexity of operating environments in future reports.

Finally, the article touches on the correlation between the Israeli Shekel's exchange rate and the US stock market. It explains that institutional investors in Israel, such as pension funds and insurance companies, hedge their significant foreign stock investments against dollar fluctuations. When US stocks rise, the value of these investments increases, prompting institutional investors to sell dollars to maintain their desired hedging ratios, thereby strengthening the Shekel.