Eli Hazan Appointed Chairman of Israel's Keren HaYesod Foundation

Eli Hazan has been elected chairman of Keren HaYesod by the foundation's selection committee. Hazan, who recently served as Israel's ambassador to Singapore, was appointed following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement. Two months ago, Netanyahu sought to appoint Hazan as director of the Government Press Office but later withdrew support for another candidate, Ophir Akunis, who was also vying for the Keren HaYesod chairmanship.

Hazan is a seasoned political figure, having served as Likud party spokesperson and as a political advisor and spokesman for Netanyahu during his time as opposition leader in 2021. In a 2021 conversation with activists before his appointment to Netanyahu's office, Hazan admitted to spreading false information online, stating, "The truth no longer matters. Facts no longer matter."

Meanwhile, former Knesset member Osnat Mark has been mentioned as a candidate for the CEO position at Keren HaYesod. Earlier in 2023, Akunis intended to appoint Mark as his office's CEO, but she withdrew her candidacy following public criticism regarding her lack of relevant experience.