Israel has named Michael Yitzhakov as the new Director General of the Ministry of Tourism. The appointment follows unanimous approval by the Civil Service Appointments Committee and was formally endorsed by the government at the recommendation of Minister of Tourism Haim Katz.
Yitzhakov, 37, brings over a decade of government experience, including his recent role as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Tourism. He has held several influential positions in the Knesset and various ministries, with a focus on legislation and public policy.
Israel Puts Tourism in Focus
During his tenure at the Ministry of Tourism, Yitzhakov helped lead the post-war recovery strategy, overseeing the national effort to accommodate 90,000 evacuees in hotels—a project valued at more than 7 billion NIS. He also advanced reforms to accelerate hotel development, including a policy that allows for mixed-use construction on land zoned for tourism, aimed at boosting accommodation capacity across the country.
“Michael brings with him rich experience in the work of the Knesset and the government, as well as in the core areas of the Ministry of Tourism. The tourism industry is facing the greatest crisis it has ever known, and I am confident that Michael will know how to implement my policy in the best possible way and advance the necessary measures both in the immediate and long-term, for the rehabilitation and prosperity of tourism,” said Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, in a media statement.
Yitzhakov emphasized the importance of tourism to Israel’s economy, stating, “The future of tens of thousands of families depends on its success. In this challenging period, rehabilitating tourism and providing the industry with the tools it needs for the day after is a national mission.”
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