Coalition Talks to Decide Oversight of Israel's Government Companies Authority
Coalition negotiations in Israel will determine the ministerial oversight of the Government Companies Authority amid dozens of vacant senior executive roles.
The upcoming coalition negotiations will address the ministerial oversight of the Government Companies Authority, a body currently led by David Amsalem under the Likud party. Headed by Roee Kahlon, the authority oversees hundreds of senior appointments in state-owned enterprises, making it a focal point of political maneuvering. With 12 key positions currently vacant and another three terms expiring by the end of 2026, the question of which ministry will control the authority carries significant weight for upcoming infrastructure and economic policies.
Strategic Dilemmas and Ministerial Control
Returning the authority to the Ministry of Finance is one of the primary scenarios under discussion. Proponents argue that financial oversight ensures alignment with the state budget, helps curb populist projects, and provides the necessary backing to advance privatizations. Conversely, critics warn that the Ministry of Finance tends to prioritize short-term dividends over long-term investments in research and infrastructure. Alternatively, placing the authority under the Prime Minister's Office or another senior minister could grant the political leverage needed to bypass bureaucratic hurdles, though critics caution this approach often paves the way for political appointments and the dismantling of professional directorate standards.
Vacancies and Frozen Appointments
As of late 2025, the authority manages 116 entities, including 70 government companies across vital sectors such as defense, energy, water, and transportation. A total of 61 CEO and chairperson positions are slated to open through 2029. Following instructions from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, all senior appointments have been frozen until the formation of the new government to prevent binding the hands of incoming leadership. Key vacancies include the CEO positions at Mekorot, Israel Railways, Noga, and Israel Natural Gas Lines, which are currently managed by interim executives.
