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

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

Keren Hayesod chairman Eli Vered Hazan 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 completed 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 claims are "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 "malicious and baseless lie" within a 30-year fabric of lies against her, aimed at harming the prime minister and bringing down the right.