In his first reference to the appointment, Akunis said: "The challenge before me is to continue to promote and encourage technological innovation in Israel and to prevent brain drain abroad"
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu decided to appoint Minister Ofir Akunis to the position of Minister of Science, Technology and Space, in addition to his position as Minister responsible for the Broadcasting Authority and the Second Authority.
The appointment will be submitted for approval by the government on Monday, and on Wednesday it will be submitted for approval by the Knesset. Aconis will replace Danny Danon in the post, after the latter was appointed Israel's new ambassador to the United Nations.
Minister Akunis said that he thanks the Prime Minister for the trust. "I am proud to head an office that is the growth engine of industry in Israel" said Akunis and added that "Israel's amazing and groundbreaking achievements in the field of science and technology have become a household name in the world and the challenge that lies before me is to continue to promote and encourage technological innovation in Israel and prevent brain drain abroad" .
