In the meeting of the State Control committee on Wednesday, MK Alon Schuster (Blue and White—National Unity Party) was appointed to serve as committee chair, replacing MK Mickey Levy (Yesh Atid).
The outgoing committee chair, MK Levy, summed up his tenure in the post, stating that during the term the committee had held 285 meetings, each of which was of significance for the security, economy and resilience of the State of Israel and its citizens. “Before October 7, the committee discussed the readiness of the home front for emergency scenarios such as earthquakes—and these deliberations played an important role in preparing the emergency services for the critical day. After the outbreak of the war, we held many debates, toured the evacuation areas in northern and southern Israel, and made sure that the government agencies were doing their job in providing a response to the evacuees. The committee led the public conversation on establishing a state commission of inquiry on the events of October 7, and urged the State Comptroller’s Office to begin investigating the failures and the chain of events.
“During the war, the State Control Committee was the only parliamentary body that stood at the forefront of transparency and auditing of the Government’s actions. This role of the committee became all the more important during days of crisis, when the state was called upon to make tough decisions. The role of auditing [the Government’s actions] becomes much more difficult in this situation, but also more important than ever. We did not give up on the truth, and did not allow the [conclusions of] the debates to gather dust. We were critical but constructive. When State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman entered his post, the Public Corruption Division was abolished, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it is reopened, because without it there is no truly effective auditing,” said MK Levy.
The outgoing committee chair thanked the committee director and the committee staff for the professional cooperation, devotion and work around the clock. MK Levy concluded by wishing success to his replacement, MK Schuster.
The incoming committee chair, MK Schuster, said, “I thank my friend MK Mickey Levy for his intensive and professional work. I have learned a great deal from him about the spirit of responsibility and striving to the truth. I am prepared to delve into the work, and I am willing to bear the weight of the heavy public responsibility that rests upon the State Control Committee. As long as Israeli democracy grants us the tools—I will do my job seriously and resolutely, for the sake of the public’s confidence and proper governance.”
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