The State Comptroller refrained from mentioning Beijing's involvement in building infrastructure across the country • The US does not like it, but without the Chinese - the task is almost impossible • Interpretation
Runs on the light rail site
Photo:
Moshe Shai
The chapter in the State Comptroller's report dealing with "the involvement of foreign companies in the establishment and operation of vital national infrastructure projects" is perhaps one of the most complex and unpleasant for the Comptroller's Office. The Comptroller certainly has something to highlight, but is aware that some Against a certain factor, almost like criticizing the unfriendly weather in August.
"Investments by foreign companies and their involvement in the Israeli economy may also have negative consequences. These consequences may be manifested especially in the case of companies whose control is of their own interests that do not reconcile with Israeli interests," the Comptroller rightly states.
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The auditor adds and describes the strategic risks and additional risks that a country takes, upon receiving an offer from another country to carry out infrastructure projects for it. The auditor's very practical criticism is the lack of a professional review mechanism that will include security and other factors that will examine these cooperation proposals. But in the meantime, last year such a mechanism was established, belatedly and under American pressure, but was established.
The auditor refrained from going into details and explicitly mentioning the projects that the Chinese have carried out in Israel and the projects that they are still likely to, or may carry out. On the one hand they are very worthy competitors, also because of the price, but not only. The Chinese often offer execution in a very fast period of time; They know how to present extensive experience in carrying out infrastructure projects; They are not dependent on foreign manpower, they bring in the workers themselves; They know how to fold and leave with all the employees at the end of the venture and they also offer a low price. One has to see this whole to understand why it is hard to refuse them. At the same time, the United States, our greatest friend in the world, is in a kind of war against them.
The site of the red line of the light rail in Ramat Gan // Photo: Moshe Shai
And if that's not enough, this war affects us very much, regardless of the US. Recently, China is approaching Iran, deliberately ignoring the American boycott. China and Iran will cooperate in both military and strategic infrastructure - in both cases this cooperation will make it difficult for Israel to play The complex chess against Iran. The US has expressed dissatisfaction with our proximity to the Chinese and especially in this period, where we are paying a very high price for the Chinese policy that has led to a loss of control over the corona plague, the US can be understood.
It is not for nothing that the auditor does not mention the details and does not enter into sweeping recommendations, beyond the importance of a professional and in-depth examination of the joint ventures with "foreign countries". It is clear that this is a need for a smart and prudent policy that will weigh the economic candy that the Chinese offer along with long-term security and strategic considerations.
