Sara Netanyahu Pushes Appointment Sparking Keren Hayesod Crisis

Sara Netanyahu pushed for the appointment of former MK Osnat Mark as chief of staff to Keren Hayesod chairman Eli Vered Hazan, triggering an unprecedented crisis at the Zionist institution. Vered Hazan, a former diplomat and Netanyahu loyalist, initiated Mark's appointment upon taking office, following pressure from the Prime Minister's wife.

Crisis at Keren Hayesod

Global fundraisers representing Keren Hayesod communities worldwide strongly rejected the move, telling Vered Hazan that Mark could not hold the position under any circumstances and demanding his resignation. Vered Hazan rejected the demand to step down, while representatives stood firm against political appointments in the vital Zionist organization.

"She cannot serve in this role at any price," was the clear message delivered to the leadership regarding the controversial nomination.

A History of Contested Nominations

This is not the first time Mark's name has surfaced in connection with positions pushed by Sara Netanyahu. When the current government was formed, attempts were made to appoint her as director-general of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and later as head of the Consumer Protection Authority, though both efforts faced severe public criticism and legal hurdles.

Osnat Mark strongly denied the reports, stating they were false and threatening legal action, while representatives for Sara Netanyahu and the «Ликуд» party declined to comment on the matter.