Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ehud Barak has appointed One Israel party loyalist Ori Orr chairman of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). The planned appointment was first reported by "Globes" a month ago.
The position is the highest ranking in defense industry directorates. Col.(res.) Orr, was formerly Deputy Minister of Defense and chairman of the Knesset Committee for Foreign Affairs and Defense. He was not included in One Israel’s Knesset list, due to an administrative oversight.
The position of IAI chairman has been vacant ever since the police started an investigation against former chairman Avigdor Ben-Gal, suspected of receiving a bribe from outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Ariel Sharon.
Published by Israel's Business Arena August 19, 1999