In parallel to the heated discussion in the Finance Committee, at the first cabinet meeting held on Sunday in the era of Operation Shield and Arrow, the coalition funds will be approved in the upcoming budget at an exceptional sum of NIS 13.66 billion. At the meeting (and at its opening), a number of issues were discussed, including: the ceasefire, the continuation of the campaign, core studies, the preparations of the Ministry of Education and the marathon for passports.
Politicians' Remarks
Netanyahu refers to the operation: "We successfully completed 5 days of fighting against Islamic Jihad. My prompt was surprise and initiative. We destroyed 17 headquarters. We eliminated terrorists and more. For months since the establishment of the government, I have been repeating: Whoever tries to harm us has his blood in his head. Today, Israel's enemies in Gaza and beyond know that even if they try to hide, we can and are willing to reach them at any time. We changed the equation.
"I would like to thank the IDF soldiers and ISA personnel. And to you, citizens of Israel, and especially to the residents of the envelope, thank you for your steadfastness. I was in regular contact with the heads of the local authorities regarding problems with protection. And from the achievements in security to other achievements, I would like to thank the achievements in the economy. During one of the most challenging periods for the global economy, the rating agency approved this rating horizon, a vote of confidence in the Israeli economy. I congratulate Finance Minister Smotrich."
The senior figures in the coalition, photo: Jonathan Zindel/Flash90
Smotrich on criticism of the coalition funds: "You, together with all citizens of Israel, should be happy about keeping Israel's rating. At a time of global economic turmoil, the Agency expresses confidence in the budget, in the Arrangements Law and in the reforms we are bringing and the assistance to the citizens of Israel... Regards from the 53 billion to Abbas."
Minister Shikli: "A successful campaign, we brought the goals for which we set out. Was it right to take Hamas out of the equation? The considerations are complex. In light of the fact that Jihad has launched a round, to respond forcefully to those hundred rockets that were fired then... Israel explicitly refused to commit to stop the targeted killings."
Minister Shikli: "A successful campaign, we brought the goals for which we set out. Was it right to take Hamas out of the equation? The considerations are complex. In light of the fact that Jihad has launched a round, to respond forcefully to those hundred rockets that were fired then... Israel explicitly refused to commit to stop the targeted killings."
Minister Kish on preparations for matriculation exams after the operation in Gaza: "The Ministry of Education is preparing to respond to this issue related to matriculation exams, my message is that anyone who is harmed in preparation will not harm the exam. I wish all Israeli students good luck in their exams."
"Passport Marathon Operation". Jerusalem, Photo: Ariel Kahane
Goldknopf on the importance of core studies: "We will determine what core studies are and not someone from abroad."
Minister Arbel: "We opened Operation Marathon for passports. Come patiently. Go and make passports so you will have freedom of movement in the summer. And still offers you a vacation in Israel."
Background to the discussion
At the last minute, it was revealed in a proposal that will be submitted to the government for approval this morning that more than NIS 1 billion has been added to the budget demanded by the parties for their various needs, while the Ministry of Finance attached warnings to the document regarding the impact on the deficit and regarding the delay in Haredi men entering the labor market.
The main difficulties arising from the document relate to the impact of the budgets on the ultra-Orthodox sector, some of which are intended to increase the budgets of recognized and unofficial educational institutions by NIS 900 billion and an additional NIS <> million for religious institutions, alongside Deri's food stamps. All of these, according to the Ministry of Finance's legal counsel, will lead to "an increase in the incentive for non-participation in the labor market and will lead to immediate harm to it." As in the past, raising the yeshiva budget will lead to a reduction in employment rates, and at the same time, increasing the budgets of educational institutions where core studies are not taught will lead to "a constant increase in the number of graduates lacking the skills required for integration into the employment market and maximizing earning capacity."
The first cabinet meeting in the "Shield and Arrow" era, photo: Jonathan Zindel/Flash90
In fact, the Finance Ministry's warning indicates that Haredi students are being "paved" to informal institutions at the expense of official education in the State of Israel by equalizing budgeting. This effect demanded by the ultra-Orthodox parties will also affect informal education in East Jerusalem and will also harm the integration of Arab residents into the official educational institutions of the State of Israel, which until now have benefited from surplus funding that has attracted students.
Narrowing the gap between the two types of educational institutions in East Jerusalem will harm Israel's attempts to transfer East Jerusalem students to the Israeli curriculum at the expense of the Palestinian curriculum, which includes dimensions of incitement.
In conclusion, Finance Ministry Budget Department Commissioner Yogev Gordos warns that according to forecasts, direct tax increases of 2065% will be required in 16 in order to maintain the services provided by the state without increasing the deficit.
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