Ya'akov Edery was born in Morocco in 1950 and immigrated to Israel in 1959.
After performing his military service in the Israel Navy, he earned a BA in political science from the University of Haifa.
Edery has served as mayor of Or Akiva, deputy chairman of the Or Akiva City Council, and community center director.
Elected to the Knesset in January 2003, he is a member of the State Control Committee.
Ya'akov Edery served as Deputy Minister of Public Security from March 2003 until January 2006, and as from Minister of Health and Minister for the Development of the Negev and Galilee from January-May 2006.
In May 2006 Ya'akov Edery was appointed Minister without Portfolio, responsible for liaison between the government and the Knesset. In July 2006 he was also made responsible for Jerusalem affairs. In July 2007 he was appointed Minister of Immigrant Absorption and Minister for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee.
He is married and the father of two children and lives in Or Akiva.