After Yair Netanyahu Fiasco, New Deal Could Mark Comeback for Current WZO Chief
A new, not yet finalized agreement may bring current World Zionist Organization head Yaakov Hagoel back to leadership through a rotation with Rabbi Doron Perez.
The latest deal follows the collapse of a previous arrangement concerning appointments within major Zionist institutions, including the WZO and the Jewish National Fund-KKL. The earlier compromise failed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, was unexpectedly nominated for a prominent role.
“The original deal fell apart after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial elder son Yair was unexpectedly tapped for a cushy board position at the WZO.”
The unexpected nomination of Yair Netanyahu to lead the WZO’s Diaspora and Information Department—an office with a government minister-level salary and resources—sparked strong opposition, notably from the Yesh Atid party, which withdrew its support and caused the prior agreement to disintegrate.
Under the new proposal, Yair Netanyahu will not hold any role within the organization. The specific individual who will assume leadership of the Diaspora and Information Department remains undecided.
Summary
The reshaped WZO leadership deal revives Yaakov Hagoel’s standing while excluding Yair Netanyahu from any organizational position amid political backlash.