Sharvit’s Shin Bet nomination in jeopardy—read the full Trump critique that sparked backlash
The Prime Minister’s office is reconsidering Eli Sharvit’s nomination following backlash over his climate policy article.
About two months ago, Eli Sharvit, in his capacity as chairman of Qd-Sol and CEO of Elgry Eco Energy, published a critical article in Calcalist about Donald Trump’s climate policy. Now, sources in the Prime Minister’s office are claiming that this article is the reason behind the expected cancellation of Sharvit’s appointment as the next director of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).
“After conducting in-depth interviews with seven worthy candidates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to appoint former Israel Navy Commander, Vice-Admiral Eli Sharvit as the next Director of the ISA,” the PM’s office announced on Monday morning. “Vice-Admiral Sharvit served in the IDF for 36 years, including five years as Commander of the Israel Navy. In that position, he led the force building of the maritime defense of the territorial waters and conducted complex operations against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. The ISA is a meritorious agency that underwent a severe upheaval on October 7. Prime Minister Netanyahu is convinced that Vice-Admiral Sharvit is the appropriate person to lead the ISA in such a way that will continue its glorious tradition.”
Later Monday, United States Senator Lindsey Graham of the Republican Party wrote on X: “While it is undeniably true that America has no better friend than Israel, the appointment of Eli Sharvit to be the new leader of the Shin Bet is beyond problematic. There has never been a better supporter for the State of Israel than President Trump. The statements made by Eli Sharvit about President Trump and his policies will create unnecessary stress at a critical time. My advice to my Israeli friends is change course and do better vetting.”
The full text of the article published in Calcalist on January 23, 2024:
Not just a political mistake: Trump is pushing the Earth into the abyss
By Eli Sharvit
It is hard to believe that at a time when the climate is striking us with unprecedented force, the U.S. administration, under incoming President Donald Trump, has chosen to roll back progress on clean energy and revive the era of polluting fossil fuels. This is not just a reckless decision—it is a devastating message to the world. While natural disasters provide brutal evidence of the consequences of neglecting the climate crisis, the response of this so-called leadership is to accelerate destruction.
Climate data paints an unequivocal picture: the Earth is experiencing extreme conditions never before recorded. Rivers are drying up, severe heat waves are affecting millions, prolonged droughts are devastating agriculture, and unprecedented cold waves are striking regions previously known for their temperate climates. Just recently, California’s massive wildfires burned vast areas, claimed lives, and left hundreds of thousands homeless. These disasters are not a warning or a glimpse of the future—they are our present reality.
We once believed that these catastrophes would unfold in the distant future, affecting our grandchildren or great-grandchildren. But now, it is clear they are already here, and they will only intensify. Studies repeatedly confirm that astronomical levels of greenhouse gas emissions are directly responsible for climate disruption.
The required response to this crisis should be to drastically reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy. Yet President Trump has abandoned the important goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, instead prioritizing polluting fuels out of a short-term conservative approach and with the goal of maximizing short-term economic gains.
I believe this policy is not just misguided—it is dangerous. Trump’s shortsightedness sends a shocking message to the world that scientific reality, human welfare, and the responsibility to future generations can be ignored. This approach is a political embodiment of the philosophy: Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die—an attempt to escape global consequences while appeasing the fossil fuel industry.
It is important to remember that investing in clean energy is not just a moral obligation; it is also the smartest economic strategy. Many nations have already understood that transitioning to advanced technologies, renewable energy, and energy efficiency is key to sustainable economic growth. However, decisions like Trump’s critically delay global progress, and time is running out.
The goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 is not an abstract vision—it is an urgent call to action. Any delay will intensify the disasters we are already facing, resulting in millions of deaths, economic devastation in the billions, and irreversible damage to the planet.
Even if Trump has yet to enter office, the consequences of his destructive policies linger. This is not just a political maneuver—it is a regressive economic and educational stance that will shape future generations. Instead of fostering innovation and green technologies, his renewed reliance on fossil fuels discourages investment, locks the global economy into outdated models, and harms the businesses leading the transition to a sustainable future.
Countries like Germany, the Scandinavian nations, and even China have demonstrated that smart environmental policies can drive economic growth while upholding climate responsibility. We live in an era when the public increasingly demands accountability from governments and corporations. Trump's decision to ignore this global urgency sends a clear message: the United States is retreating from its role as a climate leader.
The transition to clean energy is not optional—it is imperative. Any approach that prioritizes political convenience over long-term survival is reckless and unacceptable in an age where every decision leaves an irreversible impact on billions of lives. Now is the time to demand bold leadership—one that prioritizes the well-being of humanity over short-term profits.
The choice is ours: remain passive as climate disasters escalate, or rise to the challenge and fight for a sustainable future. American leadership on climate and environmental policy failed under Trump’s previous administration. It is now our responsibility to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
Eli Sharvit is Chairman of Qd-Sol and CEO of Elgry Eco Energy.
