Channel 12 journalist Daphna Lial reports that Sara Netanyahu orchestrated the push to appoint Eli Hazan, the newly appointed GPO director, as head of Keren Hayesod — calling the organization resource-rich, tied to donors, and a better fit for Hazan. Osnat Mark's name was also raised as a candidate in the past.
Channel 12's Daphna Lial reported Wednesday afternoon that Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister's wife, is the driving force behind shifting Likud support to Eli Hazan for the Keren Hayesod leadership. Hazan was recently appointed director of the Government Press Office. Lial noted that Keren Hayesod is a well-resourced body with extensive ties to donors, and described Hazan as a natural fit. She also recalled that Osnat Mark was previously floated as a candidate for the role.
This follows an earlier report by Lial that Prime Minister Netanyahu himself is backing Hazan in the Likud committee, shifting away from Deputy Minister Ophir Akunis. Akunis’s associates have claimed Netanyahu initially offered him the post, and that opposition-aligned Likud figures worked to block the appointment. Akunis has demanded the voting process continue. The involvement of Sara Netanyahu adds a personal dimension to the ongoing internal Likud contest over the powerful fundraising organization.
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