PM Olmert Holds Discussion on Economic Preparation for Corona Virus Consequences

• Netanyahu. Visited the yellows

  Photo:

  Emil Salman

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a discussion on the financial preparations for the corona virus's impact on Thursday, with the participation of the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economy, the Governor of the Bank of Israel, the NSC and office-general directors, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.

At the beginning of the discussion, the Prime Minister criticized the conduct of Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club, which did not obey the Ministry of Health yesterday's instructions and did not enter the isolation as required after the group returned from Spain less than two weeks ago from a match against Valencia in the Euroleague.

Netanyahu said: "I have a very great appreciation for Maccabi Tel Aviv in basketball, but I condemn the fact that they did not obey these instructions and violated them. In this way, we put many citizens at risk of contagion. Respect the instructions."

On the economic aspects of the impact of the virus on the State of Israel, Netanyahu added: "This meeting is a continuing debate for the treatment we are facing in the economic challenge posed by the Corona. First of all, I will give the good news. The good news is that the Israeli economy is in good shape, even very good. This crisis is in a very strong position, and this is of course true of almost all Western countries. The bad news is that nobody knows how this epidemic will spread, where it will come and what prices it will raise financially, so we are preparing for what has already happened, And for what can happen. "

Prime Minister Olmert added: "The first step I am announcing today is that by Sunday, the Finance Minister will set up an emergency fund to assist business flows that are essential to the functioning of the economy. The next step will be that as the crisis develops, the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Bank of Israel, will offer tools to assist flowing businesses. To distress following the crisis. "

Netanyahu sounds optimistic about continuing to deal with the Corona, saying: "I think we are addressing this crisis both healthily and financially, on the best side, but that does not mean that we have no major challenges. I also ask companies, women and businessmen, business owners , To work in coordination with government ministries.