Director-General of Finance Ministry submits resignation to Smotrich

The director general of Israel's Finance Ministry, Shlomi Heizler, will step down next month after two years in the post, citing "urgent personal reasons," the ministry said on Wednesday.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich appointed Heizler, an attorney, as the Treasury's most senior civil servant in January 2023. Heizler, who served as the ministry's D-G for the past two years, said that his resignation was due to urgent personal reasons. A successor has not yet been named.

Heizler, who had medical issues a few months ago but recovered to start working on the 2025 budget, said the past two years have been among the most challenging in Israel's history, especially after the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists.

"I assumed this important role with great reverence during one of the most challenging periods the state and society of Israel have ever known," Heizler said.

Heizler highlighted that he had enjoyed working "hand in hand" with Smotrich and was sad to leave his role at this time.

Smotrich thanked Heizler, adding that "Shlomi Heizler is a top-tier professional who managed the Finance Ministry during one of the most challenging periods in Israel's history." 

During his tenure as D-G, Heizler led five state budgets, spearheaded agreements and reforms, and led funding for those harmed by the Israel-Hamas war, the ministry said.

"After two years, after the intense fighting in the war has ended, residents can return to their homes in the north and south, and after the budget ... passes the Knesset (parliament), due to personal circumstances, I asked the Finance Minister to end my position," Heizler said in a statement.

"I have worked with the Finance Minister hand in hand, and I am very sorry to be forced to end my role now," he added.

Israeli media reported that Heizler had opposed a number of Smotrich's policies.

Responsible for five budgets

Due to the need to boost spending during Israel's wars since October 7, 2023, Heizler was responsible for formulating five budgets.

After long delays, the Knesset this month narrowly approved the 2025 budget in its first of three votes needed to become law. The budget is now being examined by parliamentary committees, and final passage is expected next month.

Failure to approve the budget by March 31 would trigger new elections.

Smotrich called Heizler a first-rate professional, saying he "passed five budgets and masterminded all the ministry's departments."

The ministry is also set to lose legal adviser Asi Messing after eight years on the job, and Smotrich has declined to renew the term of ministry spokeswoman Lilach Weissman, who has served for nine years.