Hauser: A Career in Israeli Governance and Public Policy
The role of the Cabinet Secretary is central to the administration of the Israeli government, serving as the primary coordinator between the executive branch and other state institutions. One of the most notable figures to hold this position was Hauser, who served as Israel's 17th Cabinet Secretary during a pivotal era of governance.
Tenure as Cabinet Secretary (2009–2013)
In April 2009, following the establishment of the Thirty-second government of Israel led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hauser was appointed to the role of Cabinet Secretary. He continued in this capacity through the formation of the Thirty-third government, serving until 2013.
His responsibilities were extensive, encompassing the management of the Cabinet's agenda and the coordination of ministerial committee meetings. Beyond the internal operations of the office, Hauser simultaneously held the position of Secretary of the Ministers Committee on Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the Political-Security Cabinet.
In these capacities, Hauser acted as a critical liaison between the cabinet and the Knesset (the Israeli parliament), as well as between the cabinet and the President of Israel. Additionally, he served as the spokesperson for the Cabinet and held the role of deputy to the director general of the Office of the Prime Minister.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Contributions to National Heritage and Youth
Parallel to his governmental duties, Hauser was active in cultural and educational initiatives. He co-chaired Masa Israel Journey, an organization dedicated to strengthening the bond between young Jewish adults and Israel. His commitment to national preservation was further evidenced by his membership in the Western Wall Heritage Foundation and Independence Hall, where he initiated the Moreshet Program, a national effort to restore and preserve national heritage sites.
Transition and Departure from Office
With the formation of the 33rd government in January 2013, Hauser announced his intention to step down after more than four years of service. He remained in office until May 2013, when he was succeeded by Maj. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit, the former Military Advocate General.
The circumstances surrounding his departure involved a complaint filed by Hauser, alongside Yoaz Hendel and Yohanan Locker, regarding the actions of Natan Eshel, a close confidant of the Prime Minister.
Post-Governmental Career and Public Service
Following his tenure as Cabinet Secretary, Hauser transitioned into academic, legal, and advisory roles. In 2013, he joined the academic staff at the Hebrew University's School of Public Policy and Government, where he lectured graduate students. He also served as a senior fellow at the Kohelet Policy Forum.
His leadership extended to the legal community in 2014, when he became the chairman of the Alumni Organization of Tel Aviv University's faculty of law. Furthermore, he contributed his expertise to several public committees, including:
- Chairman of the Public Committee for the Examination of computing Elections to the Knesset and Local Authorities.
- Member of the advisory team regarding prayer arrangements at the Western Wall.
- Member of the Exceptions Committee concerning the entry of the remaining Falash Mura community members from Ethiopia.
Advocacy for the Golan Heights
Between 2017 and 2019, Hauser founded and led the Coalition for the Israeli Golan, an organization promoting the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In a 2018 article, he argued that Israel's strategic interests would be served by the division of Syria into several entities and increased American involvement to curb the influence of Iran and Turkey. He specifically advocated for expanding Jewish settlement in the Golan, aiming for a population of 100,000 Jewish settlers by 2030.
Currently, Hauser continues his public service as the chairman of the Land of Israel's Museum (Eretz Israel Museum) in Tel Aviv and as a member of the International Executive Committee of The Albert Einstein Foundation.
Key Facts
- Role: Served as Israel's 17th Cabinet Secretary from 2009 to 2013.
- Key Liaison: Managed communications between the Cabinet, the Knesset, and the President of Israel.
- Security Role: Secretary of the Political-Security Cabinet.
- Academic Work: Lectured at Hebrew University's School of Public Policy and Government.
- Advocacy: Founded the Coalition for the Israeli Golan (2017–2019).
- Current Positions: Chairman of the Eretz Israel Museum and member of the Albert Einstein Foundation's International Executive Committee.
| Period/Year | Organization/Entity | Position/Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2009–2013 | Government of Israel | Cabinet Secretary |
| 2013 | Hebrew University | Academic Staff / Lecturer |
| 2014 | Tel Aviv University Law Faculty | Chairman of Alumni Organization |
| 2017–2019 | Coalition for the Israeli Golan | Founder and Head |
| Current | Eretz Israel Museum | Chairman |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the primary duties of Hauser as Cabinet Secretary?
Hauser was responsible for setting the Cabinet's agenda, managing ministerial committee meetings, and overseeing the internal operations of the office. He also served as the Cabinet's spokesperson and deputy to the director general of the Office of the Prime Minister.
What is the Political-Security Cabinet?
The Political-Security Cabinet (formally the Ministers Committee on Security Affairs) is a specialized body within the Israeli government focused on security matters. Hauser served as its Secretary, liaising between the cabinet and other state organs.
What was the Moreshet Program?
The Moreshet Program was a national initiative initiated by Hauser to preserve and restore national heritage sites across Israel.
What was Hauser's vision for the Golan Heights?
Hauser promoted Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and advocated for the expansion of Jewish settlements in the region, proposing a target of 100,000 settlers by the year 2030.
Who succeeded Hauser as Cabinet Secretary?
Hauser was succeeded in May 2013 by Maj. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit, who had previously served as the Military Advocate General.