New Leadership Deal in 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. This development follows the breakdown of an earlier arrangement.
Collapse of the Original Deal
The original agreement fell apart Wednesday night after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, was unexpectedly nominated for a prominent board position at the WZO. This appointment crossed a significant boundary for many and led the opposition party Yesh Atid to withdraw its support.
The announcement "torpedoed the previous compromise deal and flung the World Zionist Congress into disarray."
Exclusion of Yair Netanyahu
Under the new proposed deal, Yair Netanyahu will not receive any role within the WZO. The position he was considered for—the leadership of the WZO’s Diaspora and Information Department—offers an office, a vehicle, and a salary comparable to a government minister’s.
It remains unclear who will ultimately fill that role.
Context of the Dispute
- The initial conflict arose from Yair Netanyahu's appointment efforts, which met fierce resistance.
- Likud had aimed to install him as information chief.
- The fallout disrupted key Zionist institutions' leadership plans.
These events have put the spotlight back on Yaakov Hagoel, signaling a probable return to leadership amid ongoing negotiations.
"A new arrangement ... would likely see the comeback of current chief Yaakov Hagoel."
Author’s summary: A new leadership deal in the WZO excludes Yair Netanyahu, restoring stability and paving the way for Yaakov Hagoel’s return to head the organization.