developing· Politics· Updated 13:49

Israel's Health Ministry Director-General Resigns After Nine Years

Moshe Bar Siman Tov, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health, announced his resignation on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. He informed Health Minister Chaim Katz of his decision to step down in the coming weeks, concluding approximately nine years of service across two separate terms. Bar Siman Tov will work to ensure an orderly transition and handover to his successor, who has not yet been appointed.

14 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 13:02

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What happened

01Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov announced his resignation on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after nearly nine years of service across two terms.
02Bar Siman Tov informed Health Minister Chaim Katz that he will step down in the coming weeks and will ensure a smooth transition to his successor.
03He led Israel's health system through major national crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Swords of Iron war.
04During his tenure, the health system managed thousands of casualties, facilitated the return of hostages, and maintained essential services under wartime conditions.
05Bar Siman Tov spearheaded key initiatives, including the National Mental Health Plan and the development of medical infrastructure in peripheral areas.
06Following his resignation, he will join Columbia University in New York as a research fellow focusing on health systems' response to national trauma.
07Under his leadership, the Israeli healthcare system achieved a record high public trust rating of 87%.
08Health Minister Chaim Katz praised Bar Siman Tov's professional leadership and significant contributions during highly complex and challenging times.

During his tenure, Bar Siman Tov led the Israeli health system through unprecedented national emergencies, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, where he oversaw lockdowns and the vaccination campaign, and the Swords of Iron war. Under his leadership, the system managed thousands of casualties, facilitated the return of hostages, and maintained essential medical services under continuous emergency threats. He also spearheaded key initiatives, including the National Mental Health Plan to address collective trauma and the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure in peripheral areas.

Following his departure, Bar Siman Tov is expected to join Columbia University in New York as a research fellow. His research will focus on how health systems cope with national trauma, drawing on Israel's recent experiences. Minister Katz praised Bar Siman Tov's professional leadership and significant contributions during complex times, while Bar Siman Tov noted that he leaves a strong system that achieved a record 87% public trust rating during his tenure.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 12 newsrooms. Updated 13:41