Sheba head withdraws candidacy for Health Ministry director-general role over conflict of interest

Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, director of Sheba Medical Center, informed Health Minister Haim Katz on Sunday morning that he was withdrawing his candidacy for Health Ministry director-general because he could not resolve a potential conflict of interest.

The decision came after a review of the legal and administrative implications of the appointment found that the necessary conflict-of-interest arrangements could not be finalized within a reasonable timeframe.

Last week, Katz asked Kreiss to temporarily serve as Health Ministry director-general while continuing to lead Sheba Medical Center. Kreiss agreed to the request, citing a sense of responsibility and commitment to Israel's healthcare system, and expressed his willingness to take on the role during a sensitive period for national security.

However, the proposed appointment raised concerns and drew criticism from healthcare officials, particularly over the prospect of Kreiss simultaneously heading Sheba Medical Center and the Health Ministry, which oversees the hospital.

After reviewing the legal and administrative complications of holding both positions, Kreiss decided to withdraw his candidacy and remain at Sheba.

Kreiss withdraws candidacy over legal complexities

"In light of the understanding that the legal complexities involved in the conflict-of-interest arrangement would not allow the process to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, and given his commitment to continuing to lead Sheba, Prof. Kreiss informed the health minister that he had decided to withdraw his candidacy for the position," Katz stated.

"I would like to thank Prof. Yitshak Kreiss for responding to my request and being willing to take on this important assignment out of a sense of responsibility and national duty," he added. "His willingness to put his experience, abilities, and skills at the service of the healthcare system is highly commendable."

"Prof. Kreiss is one of the leading and most influential administrators in Israel's healthcare system, and I respect his decision and his commitment to continuing to lead Sheba Medical Center."