"Forbes Israel" has placed Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in first place in its rankings of Israel's 50 most powerful women, which was published today.
"Netanyahu has been placed ahead of impressive women who lead huge companies," "Forbes Israel" writes, "While she does not decide about operations against Iran, lowering the interest rate or real estate reforms, her influence stems mainly from her involvement in the main appointments around the prime minister. Some sources interviewed by "Forbes" say that her involvement in appointments does not stop at the prime minister's office but includes major positions in the state service. 'she is involved at all levels senior and junior' one source said."
"Forbes" added, "One person who was formerly close to the prime minister compared her with a black hole, a personality with energy focused on the system that can change the order to a new reality in Israel's political space with huge power even if it is not always possible to to see or identify the source of the power moving things."
In second place in the "Forbes Israel" rankings of the country's most powerful women was Bank Leumi (TASE: LUMI) CEO Rakefet Russak-Aminoach. "Forbes" said, "Russak-Aminoach has become the youngest CEO in the history of the bank. She is about to celebrate her first year in charge in one of Israel's most senior and important management roles at a bank which reaches every corner of the economy, with a span of influence like no other."
In third place in the rankings was Shari Arision whose Arison Holdings Ltd. controls Bank Hapoalim (TASE: POLI) and Shikun u'Binui Holdings Ltd. (TASE: SKBN). In fourth place was Strauss Group Ltd. (TASE:STRS) chair Ofra Strauss, and in fifth place was deputy governor of the Bank of Israel Karnit Flug.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 24, 2013
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