Health chief exits after nine years

Moshe Bar Siman Tov will leave his position as Director-General of the Health Ministry within weeks, ending a nine year tenure that spanned two terms.

The ministry announced the departure on Tuesday. Bar Siman Tov guided the national healthcare system through the COVID 19 pandemic and the war that followed the October 7 attacks. His administration managed the treatment of thousands of wounded patients and facilitated the return of hostages from captivity while maintaining emergency services.

During his time in office, the director general launched a national mental health program to address widespread trauma. He also worked to strengthen medical infrastructure in outer regions and adjusted services to meet changing patient needs. The ministry stated that the healthcare system now holds the highest level of public trust among all Israeli institutions.

Bar Siman Tov will join Columbia University in New York as a research fellow in the coming months. His new role will focus on how healthcare systems respond to national trauma. Health Minister Haim Katz praised Bar Siman Tov for his service and his contribution to the sector.

In a statement, Bar Siman Tov described the healthcare system as strong and prepared for future challenges. He attributed the system's 87 percent public trust rating to the daily work of its employees. He noted that staff members serve as a model of coexistence for Israeli society.