Former Science Minister Ofir Akunis will go to New York as Consul General. Gila Gamliel, former head of the Ministry of Intelligence, will become the new Minister of Science.
On 17 March 2024, the Israeli government approved the appointment of Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis as Israel’s Consul General in New York. Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel will be appointed Innovation, Science and Technology Minister; the responsibilities of the Intelligence Ministry will be transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office.
On the occasion of his appointment Akunis said:
‘I go proudly as a Jew, a Zionist and an Israeli; this is the right order. To serve the State of Israel and the Jewish people is the most important mission a person could ask for, especially at this time when perhaps there is no greater historic challenge.’
Following the decision Gamliel said:
‘I thank the prime minister for appointing me as the Science, Technology, and Space Minister and for the great trust placed in me to promote this important field at this time. In a joint decision with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and considering the political and budgetary challenges at this time, I decided to relinquish my position as Intelligence Minister, disband the ministry, and distribute its important powers.’
She continued:
‘As Science, Technology, and Space Minister, I’ll continue to bolster Israel’s technological prowess at home and abroad and promote innovation and science in the country, which is vital for Israel’s economic and security growth, its national resilience, and its international standing.’
Sources: Government of Israel and Ynetnews