Yaron Zelekha (Hebrew: ירון זליכה, born 20 July 1970) is an Israeli economist and political figure who heads the New Economic Party.
Yaron Zelekha | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Accountant General of the Ministry of Finance | |
| In office 2003–2007 | |
| Preceded by | Nir Gilad |
| Succeeded by | Shuki Oren |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 July 1970 |
| Spouse | Orly Zelekha |
| Alma mater | Bar Ilan University |
Biography
editZelekha was born to Iraqi-Jewish immigrants and grew up in Ramat Gan. His father was a branch manager for Bank Leumi. After completing high school, Zelekha did his military service in the Israel Defense Forces in the Research Department of the Military Intelligence Directorate. After being released from military service in 1991, he studied economics at Bar-Ilan University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1994. He earned a doctorate in economics from Bar-Ilan University in 2001. Zelekha is married to Orly and has three children.
Accounting and academic career
editHe subsequently worked as an accountant. From 1995 to 1997, he was a lecturer in accounting at the College of Management Academic Studies. He entered public service in 1996 as an economist for the Prime Minister's Office and was appointed head of the Accounting Department at Ono Academic College in 1998. Zelekha was an Israeli Ministry of Finance accountant general during 2003–2007. He was a key witness, according to state comptroller's office, who testified against Ehud Olmert in his role of finance minister in a case of alleged bribery during the sale of the Bank Leumi's controlling shares.[1] Zelekha said that the State of Israel is more corrupt than it appears.[2]
In 2011, Zelekha was chosen to head a committee for examining centralization in the private vehicle market in Israel.[3]
Political career
editIn December 2020, Zelekha formed the New Economic Party based on an economic vision and said he would run as a candidate in the March 2021 national election in Israel.[4] The New Economic Party did not win any seats in the election.
References
edit- ^ Zino, Aviram (30 October 2006). "Police to look for criminal aspect in Leumi affair". Ynet. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
- ^ Zino, Aviram (9 January 2007). "Accountant general: Israel more corrupt than world thinks". Ynet. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
- ^ Gutman, Lior (26 August 2011). "Auto Market to Open Up for Competition?". Ynetnews/Calcalist. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
- ^ Peleg, Bar (30 December 2020). "Leading Economist Zelekha Announces New Party, Vows to Save Israel From Financial Ruin". Haaretz. Retrieved 31 December 2020.