Dr. Sharon alroy-Preis Resigns as Head of Israel’s Public Health Services

dr. Sharon Alroy-preis, head of the Health Ministry’s Public Health Services division and a leading figure in the country’s COVID-19 response, announced her resignation Monday after more than five years in the role.

Alroy-Preis, who guided Israel through the coronavirus pandemic and spearheaded the national vaccination campaign, received widespread praise from health professionals for her leadership. Under her direction, Israel was seen as a global model in its pandemic exit strategy. However, she also faced harsh criticism and personal attacks from anti-vaccine activists, who spread false claims about her online.

The Health Ministry has not disclosed the reason for her sudden departure,and no replacement has been named. A ministry statement said a process to fill the position would begin “in the coming days in accordance with regulations.”

Alroy-preis joined the ministry during the outbreak of COVID-19 and led the Public Health Services division through a series of crises beyond the pandemic. These included coordinating medical services for displaced communities during the war with Hamas and responding to the nationwide measles outbreak. During the measles crisis, the ministry faced public criticism over delays and a lack of clarity in sharing infection data.

2026/01/05 15:35:14