Michael Malchieli

Michael Malchieli is an Israeli politician and member of the Shas party, currently serving as the Minister of Religious Services. He has been involved in various initiatives related to religious services in Israel, particularly focusing on funding and building mikvehs (ritual baths) across the country. Malchieli's tenure has seen significant budget increases aimed at expanding religious infrastructure, which has sparked debates about the appropriateness and necessity of such funding in smaller communities. His policies have also raised questions regarding political influence in the appointment of local religious leaders, reflecting broader tensions between religious and secular governance in Israel.