Israeli Government Approves Key Appointments and Budget Allocations Ahead of Knesset Dissolution

The Israeli government is convening for its final session before becoming an outgoing government, following the Knesset's scheduled dissolution this Thursday. In anticipation, ministers are rushing to approve appointments and allocate budgets, with a directive to exercise restraint in future appointments after the Knesset disperses.

Among the decisions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to allocate 10 million shekels from coalition funds to promote social periphery development in informal education will be approved. The funds will be managed by the Ministry of Interior, currently led by Director-General Israel Ozen, a former aide to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri. The proposal has received legal approval from Yehuda Zemaret, the Ministry of Interior's legal advisor.

To strengthen Jerusalem's security, the government will instruct the National Security Ministry to enhance police deployment in the city by establishing a police facility in East Jerusalem. A budget of 28 million shekels will be allocated for this project from 2026 to 2029, funded by the National Security Ministry's budget.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi will be appointed responsible for the 2027 Lag BaOmer celebrations at Mount Meron. Additionally, Professor Asaf Midani and Immigration and Absorption Ministry Director-General Dganit Senker-Lenga will join the Civil Service Commission's "Service Committee," a statutory body overseeing public service management.

Jonathan Peled will be appointed as Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations institutions in Switzerland. Peled has served in the Foreign Ministry for 34 years, holding various diplomatic roles.

These moves reflect the government's final efforts to solidify key roles and funding before transitioning to an outgoing status.