"Israel Hayom" exposé: Chairman of Keren Hayesod resigns following attempt to parachute Osnat Mark

Eli Vered Hazan, chairman of Keren Hayesod, announced his intention to resign just days after an "Israel Hayom" exposé revealed that Sara Netanyahu pressured him to appoint Osnat Mark, her associate, as his chief of staff. Vered Hazan, a Likud appointee, began the appointment process immediately upon taking office. Likud issued a blanket denial.

Eli Vered Hazan, chairman of Keren Hayesod, informed the board of his intention to step down soon. The resignation comes days after an "Israel Hayom" exposé revealed that Sara Netanyahu pressured Vered Hazan to appoint Osnat Mark, her associate and former Knesset member, as his chief of staff. Vered Hazan, who previously served as Prime Minister Netanyahu's spokesman and political advisor and recently finished his term as ambassador to Singapore, was appointed to his position at Keren Hayesod only at the beginning of the month, as a Likud appointee. Immediately upon taking office, he began the process of appointing Mark, following the pressure exerted on him. Osnat Mark responded that the report is "a collection of lies and falsehoods." Likud issued a blanket denial, claiming that Sara Netanyahu never contacted anyone regarding Keren Hayesod, and that this is a "vicious and baseless lie" within a 30-year campaign of lies against her, aimed at harming the prime minister and toppling the right.