Government Companies Authority Director Resigns Amidst Struggles with Minister Amsalem

Michal Rosenbaum, the Director of the Government Companies Authority, has submitted her resignation to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, citing her inability to perform her duties properly. The decision comes after prolonged conflicts with government officials, particularly Minister Dodi Amsalem, who oversees the Companies Authority.

Rosenbaum expressed concern about the transfer of the Companies Authority from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Regional Cooperation, effective January 1. She alleges that Minister Amsalem, in his role, would appoint associates as directors, potentially compromising the integrity of the government companies.

In her resignation letter, Rosenbaum pointedly stated, "When the Prime Minister is acting like this, it should not be surprising that no other party has arisen to restrain the minister and act to protect the public service." She had been in conflict with Minister Amsalem since the establishment of the Netanyahu government a year ago, resisting what she termed as corrupt appointments.

Rosenbaum, appointed by the previous minister Avigdor Lieberman, managed to block several appointments she deemed corrupt, but the transfer of authority to the Ministry of Regional Cooperation proved to be a turning point. The move surprised the Ministry of Finance, traditionally responsible for the Companies Authority.

The resignation follows a failed attempt by the Histadrut to prevent the transfer, with the Jerusalem Labor Court not responding to the claim. In her letter to the Prime Minister, Rosenbaum accused Minister Amsalem of viewing government companies as a "job pool" for political gain, leading to pressure on appointments and dismissals.

Despite warnings and appeals to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Rosenbaum asserts that he chose not to intervene, allowing Minister Amsalem's alleged misconduct to persist. The political system, including Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, expressed regret over Rosenbaum's resignation, while opposition leader Yair Lapid characterized it as a victory for corruption and a blow to public service.

The government, calling for unity, faces criticism for internal conflicts that threaten the stability of key institutions.