New Tentative Power-Sharing Deal in World Zionist Congress
A new agreement has been proposed to resolve the deadlock in the World Zionist Congress coalition talks, stalled for nearly a week, according to sources speaking with eJewishPhilanthropy.
This proposal would create an even split of control between center-left and center-right blocs over the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), with adjustments in leadership roles compared to earlier plans.
Leadership Changes in the World Zionist Organization
The key difference in the new deal concerns WZO leadership, which oversees education and civil initiatives in Israel and worldwide. The updated arrangement would bring back Yaakov Hagoel as chair of the World Zionist Organization. Following Hagoel, a representative from Yesh Atid is expected to take a leading role.
Meanwhile, Rabbi Doron Perez, chair of the religious Zionist Mizrachi movement and father of Capt. Daniel Perez, who was killed in October, would assume a different senior position within the organization.
Context and Significance
- The initial agreement had stalled, prompting a search for compromise to maintain balanced representation in the Zionist institutions.
- The arrangement reflects efforts to keep cooperation between differing political blocs in the global Zionist leadership.
"A new proposal has been put forward to break through the impasse in the World Zionist Congress coalition talks, which have been stalled for nearly a week."
"The new arrangement would see an even split between the center-left and center-right blocs in the control of the World Zionist Organization and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund."
Delegates voted at the 39th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem in October, reflecting ongoing efforts to shape leadership and policy directions within the World Zionist movement.
Author’s summary: The World Zionist Congress reached a new tentative power-sharing agreement, restoring Yaakov Hagoel as WZO chair and redistributing leadership roles to maintain balanced political representation.