Benny Draifus Appointed Chair of Government Energy Company Shte'a for One Year Amid Election Transition

Benny Draifus has been appointed chairman of the government energy company Shte'a (Eilat Ashkelon Infrastructure Services) for a one-year term, a decision requiring exceptional legal approval due to the current interim government period. His appointment was authorized by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose ministry oversees Shte'a and its parent company, Ktz'a (Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline), both subject to strict confidentiality orders. Draifus replaces former chairwoman Michal Abadi-Boinjo, who left earlier this year to become the Accountant General at the Finance Ministry, leaving Shte'a without a chair since the start of 2024.

Before this role, Draifus resigned as CEO of Mifal HaPais, a position he held for over six years, and previously served as CEO of the Housing Ministry. Sources involved in the appointment told Calcalist that Draifus's experience and skills were key to securing all necessary approvals. His main challenge at Shte'a involves ongoing disputes over the expansion of the Dorad power station in Ashkelon and the planned construction of Dorad 2. Shte'a holds a 37.5% stake in Dorad, making it the largest shareholder.

In May, Shte'a surprised stakeholders by demanding Dorad pay 120 million shekels annually for leasing 75 dunams of land, a sharp increase from the previous 3.7 million shekels per year. This demand casts doubt on the economic viability of Dorad 2, though negotiations between Dorad and Shte'a on the lease fees are ongoing. The Finance Ministry declined to comment on Draifus's appointment during the election period, citing legal restrictions and adherence to guidelines from the State Attorney's Office regarding election-related matters.