Leaders of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha) announced on Sunday evening that a resident of metropolitan Tel Aviv and a former aide to then-Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu will be its new full-time director. Naftali Bennett of Raanana, who quit as chief of staff in 2008, will replace longtime Yesha director Pinchas Wallerstein, who recently resigned.
The appointment of a director outside of Judea and Samaria reflects the change in image that the Yesha council has initiated since Danny Danon took over the reins as its chairman, After his election, Danon said he would concentrate on showing the support of Israelis outside Judea and Samaria for a Jewish presence there.
Bennett, 37, holds a law degree and is a businessmen who has been involved in several high-tech companies, including the Cyota anti-financial fraud company. He also served for six years in an IDF anti-terror and commando unit and participated in the Second Lebanon War.
Danon said, “I am convinced that Bennett is the right man to lead the council vis-à-vis the challenges we face on the political front, both in Israel and in the world. His combined talents and experience have proven his ability as a leader.”