Prof Hershkowitz
Prof HershkowitzIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Former Science and Technology Minister, Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz, is slated to become the next president of Bar Ilan University, according to Channel 2.

According to the report, a search committee established after the present president, Prof. Moshe Kaveh, announced his retirement, found Hershkowitz to be the best candidate for the position.

There was some criticism of the decision, however, because as Minister of Science and Technology, Hershkowitz was partially in charge of certain aspects of Bar Ilan University's activity.

Kaveh announced his retirement about two months ago, after the Committee for Higher Education (CHE) decided that the university president would not be able to serve more than three terms. Kaveh is the most veteran university president in Israel, serving in his capacity since 1996.

The latest State Comptroller's Report had scathing criticism of Bar Ilan, especially in matters connected to management and salaries. There was particular criticism of the alleged involvement of Kaveh's office in the process of extending his term as university president.