New Leadership Deal for World Zionist Organization
A fresh agreement, still pending finalization, proposes a leadership rotation between Rabbi Doron Perez and the current World Zionist Organization (WZO) head, Yaakov Hagoel.
Background of Failed Agreement
On Wednesday night, a deal on key Zionist institution appointments collapsed dramatically. The breakdown followed the unexpected nomination of Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to a prominent WZO board position. This move was controversial and led the opposition Yesh Atid party to withdraw from the agreement.
"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, a move that crossed a red line for many."
Impact of the Collapse
The fallout from this announcement disrupted the previous compromise and threw the World Zionist Congress into turmoil.
Details of the Emerging Agreement
- Yair Netanyahu will not hold any position within the WZO under the new deal.
- The role he was nominated for—leading the WZO’s Diaspora and Information Department—includes significant perks such as an office, car, and a salary equivalent to a government minister.
- It remains unclear who will assume the position originally intended for Yair Netanyahu.
- Yaakov Hagoel is likely to make a comeback as the leader of the WZO.
"Under the emerging new agreement, which has yet to be finalized, Yair Netanyahu will not receive any position in the WZO."
Summary
A recent leadership arrangement aims to restore stability to key Zionist bodies by excluding Yair Netanyahu from WZO roles and reinstating Yaakov Hagoel as head.
Author's summary: The collapse of a previous Zionist leadership deal over Yair Netanyahu’s nomination paved the way for a new agreement excluding him and likely reinstating Yaakov Hagoel as WZO chief.