Michael Yitzhakov, 37, is married and resides in Netanya. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in Law.
Over the past decade, he held a series of key positions in the Knesset and the government. Since 2023, he has served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Tourism.
Among other roles, he was responsible for legislation in the Knesset and the government in the office of the Minister of Labor and Welfare, and led the enactment of dozens of laws in the 20th Knesset, including the historic law to increase the disability allowance, the reform of the long-term care benefit, and more.
At the Ministry of Tourism, he planned and implemented a range of strategic measures to rehabilitate the tourism industry following the war. He was in charge of the national project to accommodate 90,000 evacuees in hotels, at an estimated total cost exceeding 7 billion NIS. In addition, he promoted the initiative to allow mixed-use development on land designated for hotels, which is expected to accelerate the construction rate of hotel rooms in Israel.
Minister of Tourism Haim Katz: “Michael brings with him rich experience in the work of the Knesset and the government, as well as in the core areas of the Ministry of Tourism. The tourism industry is facing the greatest crisis it has ever known, and I am confident that Michael will know how to implement my policy in the best possible way and advance the necessary measures both in the immediate and long-term, for the rehabilitation and prosperity of tourism. I wish to thank the outgoing Director General, Danny Shahar, for his dedication in fulfilling his role, the fruitful work, and his significant contribution.”
Michael Yitzhakov: “I thank Minister Haim Katz for his trust and my friend Danny Shahar for managing the ministry in recent years. The tourism industry is a significant growth engine for the Israeli economy, and the future of tens of thousands of families depends on its success. In this challenging period, rehabilitating tourism and providing the industry with the tools it needs for the day after is a national mission. In line with the Minister’s policy, I will act with a professional approach based on measurement, efficiency, and economic value – driven by a deep belief in the ability of Israeli tourism to achieve unprecedented accomplishments.”
Michael Yitzhakov’s appointment took effect immediately, and he replaced Brig. Gen. (res.) Danny Shahar, who served in the position for about 3.5 years.
