Veteran City Hall attorney Eli Malkha elected next Jerusalem director-general

Veteran former City Hall deputy district attorney Eli Malkha, who is currently serving as the capital’s de facto legal adviser, was elected city manager by the Jerusalem Municipality on Monday.According to the municipality, Malkha, who received his undergraduate and law degrees at Hebrew University, has worked in various legal capacities at City Hall over the past 20 years.In his new role, Malkha will supervise a staff of approximately 70 attorneys charged with handling all the city’s legal matters. His duties will include managing all litigation and claims filed by or against the city, complex legal portfolio management, and legal advice to the mayor, city authorities, and various other committees.Malkha will replace Amnon Merhav, who served in the post since 2010.Mayor Nir Barkat welcomed Malkha’s appointment in a statement issued Monday.“Mr. Malkha is a first-class professional with great knowledge and expertise in management and legal counsel,” said Barkat. “His extensive experience will help the management of the city and further promotion of many complex areas involving Jerusalem.”Malkha’s appointment will be brought to City Council for final approval in the coming days, the municipality said.