Opposition leader, MK Isaac Herzog (Machane Tzioni) has been tapped to become the next chairman of the Jewish Agency, replacing Natan Sharansky. Herzog had been voted out of the party leadership slot by Avi Gabbai.

The appointment is not yet official, but Herzog is the candidate chosen by the appointment committee. The attached letter is addressed to Herzog, asking him to accept the post.

If he accepts it and receives final approval, Herzog will enter the new position in August for a four-year term. The Board of Governors is expected to approve the appointment. Herzog has already announced his willingness to serve in the post.

It appears efforts by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to have Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz appointed to the post have all but failed.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)