Ofir Akunis, MK

Minister of Science, Technology, and Space (Likud)

Prior to entering politics, Ofir Akunis served in the IDF as a military journalist in the Department of the Head Educational Officer, and earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science.  As former spokesman for the Likud, Akunis served as Media Consultant to Likud Chairman Netanyahu, Advisor to the Minister of Finance, and Advisor to the Minister of Justice. He was elected to the Knesset in February 2009, serving as Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Chair of the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee, and a member of various other committees.  In March 2013, Akunis was appointed Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. In December 2014, he was also appointed Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection. In May 2015, he was appointed Minister and in September 2015, Minister of Science and Technology.