"We're continuing the process of approving the budget and economic plan at a time when we're having to deal with two major crises: the global economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t experienced in more than 80 years; and a series of the country's most serious economic challenges," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of today's cabinet meeting.
Netanyahu added, "We'll have to balance economic and defense needs, and of course, other needs as well. Nonetheless, we announced that we would do everything possible to avoid harming the poor. I wish to reiterate this point. We'll cancel the proposed cuts in payments to Holocaust survivors, the elderly, and the sick. I today add: we'll cancel the hospitalization tax. We'll examine other issues."
Netanyahu concluded, "If we reach agreement, what is called a 'package deal' with the Histadrut and employers, I assume that most of the other issue will be dropped."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 10, 2009
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