Eliyahu Yishai

(1963 - )

Eliyahu Yishai was born in Jerusalem in 1963.

Following army service, he served as head of the Interior Minister's bureau, and since 1991 has been acting Secretary General of Shas. He also serves as Director General of the Shas-affiliated "El ha-Ma'ayan" movement.

Yishai served as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs from June 1996-July 1999.

In July 1999 he was re-appointed Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.

He served as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs from July 1999 until his resignation in July 2000.

Eli Yishai served as Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister from March 2001 until February 2003. In the 15th and 16th Knessets he served as a Member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

In May 2006 Eli Yishai was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor.

He is married and has five children