ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I look at the senior echelons of the civil service and those who hold these positions. While the distinction between managing and policymaking can be unclear at times, these senior offi cials have a key role in shaping policy. Below I sketch the profi le of senior offi cials, look more closely at the directors general, and then examine which groups in Israeli society fi nd it hard to reach these top posts. In this context, we also discuss affi rmative action.
