Bezalel Smotrich appoints Israel Malachi as Finance Ministry Director General to ensure economic continuity

Finance Minister Smotrich promotes Israel Malachi to Director General, citing the need for stability and continuity in the 2026 wartime economy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 3:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Leadership Transition at the Ministry of Finance

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has officially designated Israel Malachi as the next Director General of the Ministry of Finance. This high-level appointment follows the planned departure of Ilan Rom, who informed the minister in late March of his intention to resign once the latest state budget successfully cleared the Knesset. Malachi, who has been a core member of the ministry’s management for several years, is expected to provide a seamless transition during a period of significant economic and regional volatility.

Malachi’s Track Record in Post Conflict Reconstruction

The 49-year-old appointee brings extensive experience in crisis management to his new role. During his three and a half years as deputy director general, Malachi spearheaded the critical task of rehabilitating communities along the southern border and overseeing reconstruction efforts in the north following intense fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. His promotion is seen as a strategic move to keep these large-scale recovery projects on track as the ministry pivots toward long-term economic stabilization.

Prior Governance and Regional Council Experience

Before joining the national government, Malachi established a professional background in regional finance and land management. He previously served as the treasurer for the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council in the West Bank, where he managed local fiscal policy. Additionally, his experience includes serving on the board of directors for KKL and participating in the organization’s finance committee, providing him with a diverse perspective on both public sector budgeting and land-use economics.