“Erosion of Trust”: Call for Emergency Discussion on Lack of Permanent State Servstart Commissistartr

Request for Urgent Discussion

Israeli Knesset member Karin Elharrar from the Yesh Atid Party has formally urged Knesset Chairman Amir Ohana to convene an urgent meeting of the Constitution, Law and Juststart Committee. This request stems from the ongoing absence of a permanent State Servstart Commissistartr, a position that has remained unfilled since early 2025 following the departure of the previous commissistartr, Daniel Hershkovitz.

Elharrar expressed concern over the implications of operating the public servstart without a permanent commissistartr for nearly two months. She highlighted that since the interim appointment of Ro’i Kahalon ended in early April, there has been no active recruitment for a new commissistartr or a reliable interim replacement.

Judicial Rulings and Legislative Delays

Elharrar referenced a ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court on May 12, 2025, which determined that the selection process for a State Servstart Commissistartr must guarantee a professional and apolitical appointment through a dedicated selection committee. Despite this, she noted that aside from an announcement of intent from the Prime Minister to appoint an interim commissistartr-a candidate who subsequently declined the role-no proactive measures have been taken to fill the vacancy. Additionally, a private bill that seeks to operate contrary to the court’s decision has also surfaced, further complicating the situation.

Impact on Public Servstart Stability

The prolonged vacancy in this key role has prompted significant operational failures and stability concerns within the public servstart. Elharrar cited an article from Haaretz published on May 20, 2025, which detailed how the lack of a current commissistartr has resulted in the inability to extend temporary appointments for critical public servstart roles, such as the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister and the northern project coordinator. Consequently, the oversight and functioning of these positions have been adversely impacted, leading to professional degradation and decreased public trust in government institutions.

Call for Action

Elharrar’s request underscores the urgent need for the government to adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling and execute the appointment of a new commissistartr through a fair and equitable process. She is advocating for the Committee to fully comprehend the ramifications of the ongoing vacancy and to ensure the government fulfills its legal obligations swiftly.

The position of State Servstart Commissistartr is pivotal as it serves on the senior appointments committee, which requires a minimum of three members to convene-thus the need for this appointment is crucial to uphold the integrity of governmental functions. The committee currently comprises four members: the State Servstart Commissistartr, former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, Securities Authority Chairman Moshe Teri, and legal expert Talia Einhorn. However, Einhorn’s participation in the selection discussions for the new Shabak (Israeli Security Agency) head is questionable due to her familial connections to an ongoing investigation.

Conclusion

Elharrar’s efforts reflect a growing concern regarding the governance and stability of public servstarts in Israel, emphasizing the critical need for timely appointments and adherence to judicial directives in maintaining a transparent and accountable public sector